For many homeowners a remodeling project is a time to think big and create a budget. Often times this fervor to create can lead to residents overlooking the great value that can be found in the debris that will be removed to make room for the next reincarnation of their home. As the world shifts towards Eco-friendly and sustainable processes, more and more avenues are opening up to offer lucrative options. This is especially true for the type of demolition debris created from remodeling or renovation products. As such here are a few tips on how to make or save money by being smart with your trash.

Metals

The first material on this list is metal; anything metallic at all has value, and that value is typically rising. By separating metal pipes, window screen frames, certain appliances, etc. home owners can get paid cash at a local scrap yard. Pay outs typically depend on the weight and composition of the material but they all put money in your pocket. There is a wonderful happiness which washes over individuals who have just received money for something they were going to throw out, include yourself amongst them.

Drywall

One of the most prominent materials in a remodeling process is drywall. From the removal of the existing walls to cutting the pieces to fit for the new room drywall is everywhere in a remodeling. With many landfills charging by the ton finding ways to direct this refuse elsewhere is going to keep money in homeowner’s pockets. The best use of discarded dry wall is pretty interesting. Turns out that drywall is a great addition to compost heaps or being applied directly to the soil themselves making plants grow better. If you don’t have a garden yourself, plenty of people in areas ranging from urban to rural would be interested in taking them off your hands, and as was mentioned above, any weight kept out of the landfill is money in a homeowner’s pocket.

Wood

The lumber you’re pulling out of your home during a remodel also has value. Wood in general that is still in good condition can be set aside and used in other projects, especially if it is re-treated. However, most wood coming from the inside of a wall won’t be and if it is old enough it doesn’t provide enough value to be used in current building projects. It can still be kept from a landfill and thus lower weight costs. It can be chipped and thus used as animal bedding, compost (it pays to have a garden) and even mulch for landscaping uses. Not only can it help you accomplish things on your property but save you tonnage at the landfill.

These three items comprise the bulk of any items that would be involved in a remodeling project. If these methods are employed, sometimes the refuse produced can be lowered to just a few contractor bags. By doing so you’re making yourself some money, helping your garden grow better, providing mulch for your garden beds, and giving relief to much overworked landfills. It’s a simple win-win that most homeowners are happy to take advantage of.