The ReUse People of America
We reduce the solid waste stream and change the way the built environment is renewed by salvaging building materials and distributing them for reuse.The ReUse People is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Deconstruction Workshop
April 17, 2026 | 9am - 4pm
About Us
Our Impact Since 1993
Since 1993, architects, contractors, building owners and federal, state, and local governments have relied on TRP to keep reusable and recyclable building materials out of overburdened landfills. When a building is de-constructed (rather than demolished), up to 80 percent of the materials can be salvaged and channeled back into the marketplace through donations and sales at TRP’s network of retail outlets.
5,811
Buildings DeconstructedSince 1993, TRP has deconstructed 5,811 houses and commercial buildings rather than demolishing them, so the lumber, fixtures, and hardware inside could be sold and used again.
$256,181,029
Owner's Donation ValueBuilding owners who donated their materials to TRP have received appraisals totaling $256,181,029. That appraised value is what makes deconstruction a practical alternative to paying for demolition and disposal.
451,143
Tons RecoveredTRP has kept 451,143 tons of reusable material out of landfills. All of it went back into circulation as building supply instead of waste.
500 +
Workers and Contractors TrainedTRP has kept 451,143 tons of reusable material out of landfills. All of it went back into circulation as building supply instead of waste.
How to Design & Implement a Deconstruction Ordinance
TRP is excited to offer you a comprehensive guide for designing and implementing a deconstruction.
What you'll learn:
- Developing and implementing ordinances
- Contractor qualification and training
- Materials handling and distribution
- Verification and measurement systems
- Tax-deductible donation management
Our Services
What We DoTRP offers the following green services and products:
- Building materials donation and deconstruction options
- Building materials collection
- Building materials distribution
- Great deals on reclaimed building materials and lumber
- Project management
- Training
- Consulting services
- Reuse and recycling plans
Many contractors offer this environmentally friendly option over demolition, with benefits to the building owner, the community, and local landfills.
TRP sells quality building materials, including lumber, cabinets, toilets, sinks, doors, windows, appliances and more at great prices while helping the environment.
TRP offers training programs designed to meet the needs of those interested in preserving resources and diverting reusable materials from the solid waste stream.The Reuse People Spotlight
Featured SpotlightsThe ReUse People Spotlight: Ted Reiff
View All Spotlight VideosLatest TRP News
How to Reduce Construction and Demolition Waste on Commercial Projects
May 27, 2026
The numbers are hard to ignore. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, construction and demolition activities generated an estimated 600 million tons of debris in the United States in 2018 alone — more than twice the volume of all municipal solid waste combined. Of that, nearly 145 million tons ended up in landfills. For […]
Read More >Green Building Certifications Explained: LEED, Passive House, and ENERGY STAR
May 20, 2026
If you have been researching green building certifications, you have probably come across the same three names repeatedly: LEED, Passive House, and ENERGY STAR. All three are associated with sustainable building and energy efficiency, but they are not the same thing. Whether you are planning a renovation, new construction, or a teardown, understanding these programs […]
Read More >Embodied Carbon vs. Operational Carbon: A Simple Guide for Property Owners
May 13, 2026
If you own, manage, renovate, or plan to sell property, you’ve probably heard more talk lately about building emissions, energy efficiency, and low-carbon construction. When discussing a building’s carbon footprint, it’s important to know that emissions come from two different places: embodied carbon and operational carbon. Understanding the distinction between the two can help property […]
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