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.
Help Safeguard The Environment!
About 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 Materials
Materials 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 Landfills
TRP 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.
Our Services
What We Do
TRP 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
Promote Deconstruction
Many contractors offer this environmentally friendly option over demolition, with benefits to the building owner, the community, and local landfills.
Retail Sales
TRP sells quality building materials, including lumber, cabinets, toilets, sinks, doors, windows, appliances and more at great prices while helping the environment.
Consulting & Training
TRP offers training programs designed to meet the needs of those interested in preserving resources and diverting reusable materials from the solid waste stream.
President’s Blog
Latest TRP News
Deconstruction Wins Best All-Around Performance: Part 1 of 3
Donating building materials that have been salvaged through deconstruction is a smart, easy alternative to demolition. Just as when choosing an...
Are You Salvaging Lumber Only? Why?
It has been my observation that a bunch of folks involved in building-materials salvage are lumber centric.Ask almost anyone in our business which...
Deconstruction Serves Both Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate
With the entire country in a bit of a real estate frenzy, houses that are for sale often vanish soon after escrow closes, only to be replaced...
How to Identify a Competent Deconstruction Contractor
I receive several calls a week from building owners who want information on a variety of topics related to deconstruction and its benefits. Mostly,...
The Deconstruction Ordinance
Many municipalities are currently considering the adoption of landfill-diversion ordinances requiring deconstruction. The driver of these...
Musings of a Lumber Hugger
First, I have to admit that I am not a woodworker, nor do I have a woodshop in my garage. However, I do love wood. I always have. I first...
Historic Preservation Reset
In a recent news article I read about a magnificent 1854 Greek revival house in the Midwest that had been torn down to make room for a parking lot!...
The Velvet Crowbar Is Back
TRP hasn’t put out an e-letter (aka The Velvet Crowbar) since June 2018, so I need to start this re-launch with two business updates. First, in case...