When we think of recycling, we often think of small items like cardboard boxes and food and drink containers. But did you know that building materials can often be recycled and reused to build new buildings instead of being dumped in landfills? According to local nonprofit Repurposed Environmental Solutions (RES), not only is it possible, but it's a process that can be used to benefit the environment and your community.
RES' mission is two-fold: to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the construction industry, and to support communities by providing valuable resources for building and renovation projects.
“At Repurposed Environmental Solutions, we specialize in donating building materials that can be demolition, recycled, and reused,” the nonprofit says.
“Our dedicated team works diligently to carefully dismantle buildings and salvage materials that still have value and can be reused for future projects. In doing so, we prevent these materials from becoming waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Items eligible for the tax credit include concrete, asphalt, appliances, cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, metal, doors and windows.”
RES Executive Director Devin Schulte said the team behind the effort includes himself, office manager Vanity Ainsa and executive assistant Jagjit Kaur.
“I was in the construction industry for many years and was horrified by how much reusable building materials were being wasted,” says Schulte, “but as society as a whole became more focused on sustainability, RES wanted to be part of the solution by keeping reusable building materials out of landfills.”
Ainsa added that the nonprofit not only saves reusable building materials when demolishing buildings, but also donates all materials to the nonprofit when possible. Additionally, clients who work with RES to demolish buildings may be able to deduct the donated sustainable materials on their taxes.
“Because Repurposed Environmental Services is a 501C3 nonprofit organization, donated materials often count as sustainable tax donations,” she explained.
So how does it work? Schulte and Ainsa shared details about the first steps:
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Contact RES to schedule a walk-through with an IRS-certified appraiser.
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Discuss the scope of work, sign the contract, and schedule the project.
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Donate and/or recycle all reusable materials to complete the project.
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We will finalize all records and send you a donation package.
When it comes to the tax-related process, Ainsa said clients should contact an IRS-certified appraiser to arrange for one.Tax issues aside, Schulte said the process really benefits the community and the environment.
“By working with us, you're not only making great strides towards reducing waste and our environmental impact, but you're also actively participating in building a better future for your local community,” he said. “Your support will enable us to continue our important work of diverting reusable materials from landfills and giving them a second life.”
Once the project is underway and dismantled, materials are donated to multiple nonprofits based on need. Two shining examples of these nonprofits are Stardust and Habitat for Humanity.
“Repurposed Environmental Solutions' demolition services provide carefully salvaged, reclaimed building materials,” said Karen L. Jayne, MBA, Stardust's CEO.
“As a valued Stardust Triple R Certified partner, RES has delivered donated building materials from demolition projects to our reuse center. We will be working with them from 2023 onwards and feel their demolition services ensure that our building materials are of high quality and can be easily reused,” she continued. “We are grateful for their partnership and their commitment to supporting reuse and environmentally sustainable business practices.”
“Today there is an emphasis on recycling and reusing, so some places have to demolish buildings and donate the building materials. But even for places that don't have to do that, working with us to do so is beneficial for the environment and the community,” Ainsa said.
“We firmly believe that one man's waste can be another man's treasure, which is why we do everything in our power to donate these materials to organizations, individuals and communities in need,” Schulte said. “Through partnerships with local charities, community centers and affordable housing projects, we provide access to high-quality, affordable building materials. Plus, as a registered 501c3 organization, we're able to offer tax deductions to generous donors who donate materials to our work.”
With this important cause as its mission, Repurposed Environmental Solutions has expanded its work in Arizona to include California, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington.
Repurposed Environmental Solutions is headquartered at 428 E. Thunderbird Road, #315 in Phoenix. For more information or contact information, please visit resnp.org, contact us or call us. 480-678-2346.
This content is provided by Repurposed Environmental Solutions.