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.
Join us for our one-day deconstruction workshop on June 20, 2025!
View DetailsAbout Us
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.
4,000 +
Houses Deconstructed for Reusable MaterialsMaterials from over 4,000 houses and other buildings have been acquired and distributed by TRP to salvage reusable materials. This has prevented vast amounts of building materials from ending up in landfills.
400,000+
Tons of Waste Diverted From LandfillsTRP has diverted over 400,000 tons of reusable materials from landfills, helping to reduce our footprint on the planet as well as provide repurposed materials for construction.
500 +
Workers and Contractors Trained
TRP has trained and certified over 500 unemployed, underemployed, and disadvantaged workers, as well as over 70 contractors who in turn create needed construction jobs.
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
Upcycling Doors and Windows: DIY Home Decor Ideas
May 01, 2025
Reimagining old doors and windows as eye-catching statement pieces can transform any home into a uniquely styled retreat. Rather than sending these architectural elements to the landfill, why not give them new life? When you upcycle, you help reduce waste, preserve precious resources, and breathe character into your living space. Below are a few ideas […]
Read More >What to Look for When Buying Salvaged Kitchen Cabinets
Apr 16, 2025
A kitchen remodel is one of the most impactful ways to transform a home, and the cabinetry you choose plays a major role in both function and style. While many homeowners gravitate toward brand-new cabinets, salvaged kitchen cabinets offer a unique opportunity to create a space with character, history, and sustainability in mind. In this […]
Read More >Spring Came Early This Year
Mar 26, 2025
This seems to be a year of early harvests. At home in Southern California, my navel orange tree, which usually isn’t ready for picking until late February, began yielding an abundant crop (over 500 so far) in late December. While up in the Bay Area, business that is usually dormant in the early part of […]
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