Recyclable materials and sustainable renovation: how to approach it

A renovation releases a lot of material: bricks, timber, tiles, pipes, window frames and rubble. What you do with it largely determines how sustainable your renovation is. Sustainable renovation is therefore not only about choosing a green product, but above all about thinking in terms of keeping, reusing and recycling. This blog explains how to approach that in practice.

👷 Calling in a professional is never superfluous. For structural changes, suspected asbestos, lead pipes or large demolition jobs, have a professional or a specialist firm do the work. Demolishing yourself can be dangerous.

The order: first keep, then reuse, then recycle

A well-known idea in waste policy is the waste hierarchy: prevention comes before reuse, reuse comes before recycling and recycling comes before landfill or incineration. For a renovation that means:

1. Keep: can the existing stay? A good window frame, a sturdy floor or old bricks do not have to go.
2. Repair: repair instead of replacing.
3. Reuse: use materials again in the same or another place.
4. Recycle: hand in what is left separated, so that it can become raw material.
5. Last: residual waste, as little as possible.

What is recyclable or reusable?

• Bricks and rubble: whole bricks can sometimes be reused. Rubble is in many cases crushed and used again.
• Timber: untreated or sound timber is often reusable. Painted or treated timber has to be kept separate.
• Metal: pipes, profiles and brackets are very recyclable.
• Glass, ceramics and sanitaryware: sometimes reusable, otherwise hand in separately.
• Insulation: depends on the type. Read the manufacturer's instructions and your municipality's rules.

For disposal, contact your local waste collector or recycling centre. Rules differ per municipality.

⚠️ Old materials can contain harmful substances, such as asbestos, lead or old types of paint. In doubt? Call a specialist firm and do not break anything.

Dismantle safely instead of demolishing

Anyone who wants to reuse parts must get them out of the wall or floor intact:

• First remove all screws and fixings with a screwdriver set or a suitable tool.
• Use a claw hammer and a putty knife with aluminium blade carefully to prise parts loose.
• Do not damage pipes and cables. Always switch off water and power first. You do not work on electrics and gas yourself.
• Put loose parts on a workshop trolley with three shelves and secure them with a strap with double hook.
• Cover the floor and your furniture with masking film.

Separating waste on site

• Set out different bins or bags for timber, stone, metal and residual waste, for example a sturdy construction bucket for small parts.
• Keep hazardous waste, such as paint residues and sealant tubes, separate.
• Sweep and vacuum regularly, for example with a construction vacuum cleaner suitable for building dust.
• Keep the site tidy. That is safer and prevents waste from becoming contaminated.

You can read more about working safely in our blog on safe working on the construction site.

PPE

When dismantling and sorting you deal with dust, sharp edges and heavy material:

• Gloves: work gloves with nitrile coating and cut-resistant gloves for sharp waste.
• Safety glasses: a safety goggles against splinters and dust.
• Dust mask: an FFP2 dust mask for dusty work. With asbestos this is not enough: leave that to a specialist firm.
• Helmet and shoes: a safety helmet and safety shoe for work on a building site or under loose parts.
• Knee protection: knee pads for work on the floor.

Sustainable renovation in the bathroom

A bathroom full of tiles and sanitaryware produces a lot of waste. First look at what can stay and plan the rest carefully. You can read more about this in our guide to planning a bathroom renovation.

When do you call a professional?

• With suspected asbestos or lead.
• When demolishing load-bearing walls or structural parts.
• With work on electrics, gas and water: always a certified installer.
• With large amounts of waste or heavy material.

A professional is never superfluous. They know what may be reused and what must be disposed of safely.

Checklist

• First keep and repair, replace only then.
• Dismantle materials instead of demolishing.
• Separate waste in separate bins.
• Have suspect materials (asbestos, lead) examined by a firm.
• PPE on: gloves, glasses, mask, helmet and shoes.

Read also: What is GreenBuilding Rating? Explanation and tips and Choosing sustainable tile adhesive and grout.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between reuse and recycling?

With reuse you use the material itself again, like a brick. With recycling the material is processed into a new product or raw material.

May I just put construction waste out with the household waste?

No. Hand in construction waste separately at a recycling centre or through a waste collector. Ask about the rules in your municipality.

How do I know if there is asbestos in it?

You cannot see that yourself. In doubt, call a specialist firm, have it examined and stay away from the material.

Is reused material weaker?

Not necessarily, but you have to assess it carefully. For structural uses, let a professional decide.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.