When we think about recycling, we often picture it on a small scale such as cardboard boxes, food and beverage containers, and more. But, did you know that it’s often possible to recycle building materials to keep them out of landfills and reuse them to build new structures? According to local nonprofit Repurposed Environmental Solutions (RES), it’s not only possible, but it is a process that can be used to benefit the environment and community.
RES’ mission is twofold: to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the construction industry and to support the community by providing valuable resources for building and renovation projects.
“At Repurposed Environmental Solutions, we specialize in deconstruction, recycling and donation of reusable building materials,” according to the nonprofit.
“Our dedicated team works diligently to carefully dismantle buildings, salvaging materials that still hold value and can be repurposed for future projects. By doing so, we prevent these materials from becoming waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Items eligible for tax deductions include concrete, asphalt, appliances, cabinets, countertops, lighting fixtures, metal, doors, windows, and more.”
Devin Schulte, executive director of RES, said that the team behind the effort includes himself, office manager Vanity Ainsa, and executive assistant Jagjit Kaur.
“I was in the construction industry for years and it was scary how much reusable building materials were thrown away,” said Schulte. “But as we have shifted as a society to focus more on sustainability, RES wanted to be part of the solution by helping to keep reusable building materials out of landfills.”
Ainsa added that not only does the nonprofit save reusable building material when a building is deconstructed, but they then donate all of the materials they can to nonprofit organizations. In addition, clients who work with RES to deconstruct the buildings can then potentially claim the donated sustainable materials on their taxes.
“Donated materials can often be counted as a sustainable tax donation because Repurposed Environmental Services is a 501C3 nonprofit,” she clarified.
So how does it work? Schulte and Ainsa shared details on the first steps:
- Contact RES and plan a walk through with an IRS qualified appraiser.
- Discuss scope of work, sign contract and schedule your project.
- Donate and/or recycle all reusable materials and complete your project.
- Finalize all records and send out a donation packet.
When it comes to the tax end of the process, Ainsa shared that clients have to contact and provide their own IRS qualified appraiser. Taxes aside, Schulte said that the process truly does help the local community and environment.
“By working with us, you not only take significant strides toward reducing waste and environmental impact but also actively participate in building a better future for our communities,” he said. “Your support allows us to continue our important work of diverting reusable materials from landfills and giving them a second life.”
Once a project has been started and deconstructed, materials then benefit multiple nonprofits depending on their needs. Two shining examples of these nonprofits are Stardust and Habitat for Humanity.
“Repurposed Environmental Solutions deconstruction services provide gently salvaged reclaimed building materials,” said Karen L. Jayne, MBA, chief executive officer at Stardust.
“As a valued Stardust Triple R Certified partner, RES has delivered building material donations from their deconstruction projects to our Reuse Centers. We have worked with them since 2023 and find their deconstruction services ensure the building materials are high quality and easily reused,” she continued. “We appreciate their partnership and commitment to supporting reuse and environmentally sound, sustainable business practices.”
“Because of today’s focus on recycling and reusing, some places have to deconstruct and donate their building materials. But, even those who don’t have to, working with us to make sure they do is beneficial for the environment and local community,” Ainsa said.
“We firmly believe that one person’s waste can be another person’s treasure. That’s why we make every effort to donate these materials to organizations, individuals and communities in need,” Schulte said. “Through our partnerships with local charities, community centers and affordable housing projects, we help provide access to high-quality, affordable building materials. Additionally, as a registered 501c3 organization, we can offer tax deductions to our generous donors who contribute materials to our cause.”
With such an important cause as their mission, Repurposed Environmental Solutions has expanded to California, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington in addition to their work in Arizona.
Article Credit: citysuntimes