And maybe get paid for it Whether you?re gutting your home completely or renovating a single room, you?ll probably end up with building materials and fixtures you won?t want or need. But before you go ahead and toss dated lighting, banged-up doors, or worn tiles in the dumpster, consider these more sustainable options for offloading your renovation throwaways.
Take your items to an architectural salvage
Architectural salvages are like antique shops?but for building materials. They collect everything from light fixtures and cabinet hardware to doors and old toilets to bricks and hardwood floors and resell them to be used in renovation projects. Salvages operate under the concept that one person?s trash is another?s treasure.
?If it?s useful, why throw it away"? says George Venizelos, owner of George?s Demolition and Salvage Supply Company, an architectural salvage shop in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Emily Long
George?s Demolition and Salvage Supply Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Some shops may offer demolition or deconstruction services, while others serve merely as a clearinghouse for buying and selling. Venizelos says he will occasionally go to someone?s home or business to remove salvage pieces and haul them away, but most of what comes and goes from his shop is delivered and donated by clients.
In most cases, you won?t get much?or any?cash in exchange for your salvage items. Experts say wood flooring can sometimes be resold, but if m...