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
May 22, 2026 | 9am - 4pm
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 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
How to Destroy the Benefits of Residential Deconstruction – Part 3
Feb 20, 2026
This three-part series concludes with a look at the last link in the donation process – the nonprofit reuse organization. I believe nonprofits that receive donations of salvaged reusable building materials have an obligation to their donors, and to one another, to refuse materials from donors whose appraisers improperly value materials and charge outrageous prices […]
Read More >How to Destroy the Benefits of Residential Deconstruction – Part 2
Jan 30, 2026
Part 1 of this three-part series warned donors and recipients of salvaged building materials about the degree to which unlawful appraisals are hurting the nascent deconstruction and reuse industry. An appraiser’s written report and valuation depends on photographs and a detailed inventory of the materials received, in reusable condition, by the nonprofit. Deconstruction surveys are […]
Read More >Appraisers Are Key Deconstruction Players
Nov 10, 2025
When The ReUse People (TRP) launched back in 1993, it was with the naïve assumption that the practice of building-materials reuse would come naturally to most people. After all, Americans had been buying used cars for over 100 years. Why not doors and windows? What we didn’t initially consider was the importance of supply. It’s […]
Read More >