Material Reuse Centres - potential case studies

guide to developing material reuse centres pdf.
contains reuse case studies potentially

- Houston Habitat for Humanity: 25,000 sf on 2.8 acres, 60% inventory is new product from discount purchases made by the centre + odd donations from builders, refurbish appliances, advises own trucks for collection to maximise material recovery, setting clear standards for acceptable materials to reduce disposal of hazardous substances, does not grade stamp lumber

- Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County: 6,000 sf of covered storage, 4,000 sf outdoor storage, serves a population of 46,342 people, doesn't take computers or paint (unless unopened), delivers scrap metal which cannot be resold to scrap recycler, suggests 10,000 sf building at minimum, uses old shipping container as 'bargain barn' for clearance items

- City of Houston Building Material Reuse Warehouse: 6,700 sf covered storage, doesn't sell to public, materials are free to non-profit organizations, planning on acquiring a grade stamp

- City of Huntsville TIPS warehouse: 6,000 sf covered storage, customers must prove low-income, not open to general public,ome status, partnership with residential construction company which provides low cost housing using reclaimed materials, does not grade stamp lumber, suggests adjustable racks that aren't too high, highly visible signage, ladders with wheels for shelving

- The ReBuilding Center – Portland, Oregon: total building 65,000 sf, 55,000 sf dedicated to merchandising used materials, 45 full time staff, grade stamps lumber, doesn't accept - office partitions, toxic or hazardous substances, vinyl flooring or siding, and window coverings. Suggests that we need to build relationships between those who generate C&D debris, and those who are motivate to see it diverted from the waste stream is key to success

- Building Materials Resource Center ‐ Boston, Massachusetts: 6,000 sf covered storage, 6 full time staff, 5 part-time, provides steep discounts to non‐profits and their target audience, which are income‐eligible members, high landfill tipping fees contribute to the centre's success, does not grade lumber, does not accept certain items, such as windows
and doors without frames, used cast iron tubs, toilets that are not low‐flow, and commercial electrical equipment, labor includes staff for truck/pickup,
sales and constant organization of inventory, receiving/processing inventory, donations coordinator, development, and an executive director for overall
management. One of difficulties is reusing windows as difficult to fit into openings and cannot provide warranty, and not being able to provide grading for lumber