Page 63 - Green Builder Magazine Jul-Aug 2021

A European study found that

identify which materials can be salvaged for reuse. The contrac-
CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES MAKE tor deconstructs those portions of the building and sets aside all
UP 24 PERCENT OF ALL RAW reusable products so BRING can pick them up. All participants
receive a 20-page toolkit to help them better understand mate-
MATERIALS extracted from rials management and how to reduce waste at future projects.
If a builder wants to incorporate second-hand materials in a
the earth. project, CMRR staff can help them understand what products
they’re likely to find at a reuse organization and how to best
utilize them.
People who envision reuse organizations as places that stockpile So far, the CMRR program has resulted in significant reuse and
junk will be pleasantly surprised by the modern iteration. “Most cost savings. Since it began in 2018, participants have diverted
focus on materials they know they can rehome,” says Carolyn at least 516,000 pounds of material and avoided paying $21,857
Stein, executive director of BRING, a building material reuse store in tonnage fees at the local transfer station. In addition, donated
in Eugene, Oregon. “They know that if they can’t sell an item, or building materials may be eligible for a tax deduction, since
a product is likely to break during handling, they’re going to bear BRING is a nonprofit.
the cost of disposal at some point. That means they accept only
the highest-quality pieces for sale.” SUCCESSFUL REUSE ORGANIZATION PARTNERSHIPS
Stein shares a few best practices for builders interested in
INCREASED MATERIAL FLOWS sourcing materials from reuse organizations. One is to go there
As reuse stores become more popular, government agencies with realistic expectations. “The materials at reuse stores are
seek ways to lower their waste disposal costs, and consumers not necessarily going to be consistent like you’d find at a regular
demand more eco-conscious materials, communities are looking hardware or lumber store,” she says. “You have to think creatively
for innovative ways to recover items for reuse. One example is and be willing to adapt and work with clients to identify materials
the Construction Materials Reuse and Recovery program (CMRR), that will be suitable.”
which is a partnership between BRING, the City of Eugene and Reuse stores may not be the best places to find structural
Lane County, Oregon. Its mission is to help builders recover materials for commercial applications. Often, reclaimed lumber
reusable materials from the waste stream, educate them on best will need to be re-graded for those purposes. Instead, consider
practices for sustainable materials management, and lower their them a good resource for things like fixtures and finishes.
disposal costs. The inventory at building material reuse stores changes often,
Once a builder signs up for this free resource, a CMRR rep- so check back on a regular basis to see what has come in. “It’s a
resentative walks through their job site with them and helps good idea to create a relationship with your local organization,”
says Stein. “If there’s something specific
you’re looking for, you can check in with
the people you know and they may be able
to help you find what you need.”
Also, don’t hesitate with your decision
making, according to Stein. “If you see
something you want, you should buy it,”
she advises. “You may not see it again.”
As Climate Change continues to impact
the planet, interrupting international
supply chains and leading to massive
rebuilding efforts that cause material
shortages, builders may find themselves
turning to reuse organizations more
often. As supplies of finite materials
such as ores and petroleum products are
depleted, reused building materials may
become a critical resource at some point
this century. There’s no better time to
become familiar with reuse services than
Resource minded. Building material reuse sites such as BRING in right now. GB
Eugene, Oregon offer the construction industry a less-expensive and
environmentally friendly way to acquire needed supplies. Sophia Bennett is a freelance writer, editor and communications
CREDIT: COURTESY OF BRING consultant based in Eugene, Oregon.

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