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 (How TRP Began)
View All Spotlight VideosLatest TRP News
Architectural Features Worth Saving in Older Homes
Oct 01, 2026
Key Takeaways Original windows, solid wood doors, mantels, hardwood floors, and vintage hardware are among the architectural features in older homes that are hardest to replace with new equivalents. Wood windows made before the 1940s were likely built from old-growth lumber, which is denser and more rot-resistant than most wood available today. Test for lead […]
Read More >What Tenants Should Know Before an Office Move-Out
Sep 22, 2026
Key Takeaways Reading your commercial lease carefully is the single most important step a tenant can take, since reinstatement clauses, notice requirements, and signage removal obligations are often buried in the fine print. Most commercial move-outs require 90 to 120 days of lead time to coordinate contractors, permits, IT decommissioning, and material removal without costly […]
Read More >Low-Waste Office Renovation Ideas for Commercial Tenants
Sep 08, 2026
Key Takeaways Choosing deconstruction over standard demolition keeps usable office materials out of the landfill and often lowers hauling costs. Working with The ReUse People turns tear-out into donated inventory backed by a documented diversion report. Reclaimed doors, casework, ceiling tiles, glass partitions, and office furniture can be salvaged for reuse and may qualify a […]
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