Kane County produces tens of thousands of tons of construction waste each year. Our Construction or Demolition Debris page provides options for recycling damaged and broken materials. However, with careful planning and proper deconstruction, many materials from home renovation projects can be reused, which is the most environmentally friendly option. Homeowners can also save a lot of money and create a vintage aesthetic by using reclaimed materials in their projects. 

Deconstruction:

Deconstruction is a method of taking down buildings that places high priority on salvaging building materials in reusable condition. While debris from traditional demolition can be recycled, mat​erials are often damaged too much to be reused without significant reprocessing. Both use of salvaged m​aterials and diversion of a high percentage of debris to reuse and recycling earn credits towards LEED green building certification.

Area companies that specialize in deconstruction include:

• ​Blue Earth 847-595-8688
  
• Recyclean 847-284-3183
  
• Square One 847-651-1672
  

There are three Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations​ in and near Kane County that provide an alternative to landfilling building materials and lightly​ used furniture and appliances. For those ​willing to travel a little further, there are independent non-profit organizations focused on reclaiming building materials and appliances closer to Chicago, also listed below.  Please note that locations may accept different items from each other and may offer at-home pick up locally depending on what is being offered​. We strongly recommend checking each store's website and/or calling before taking an item in.

Generally Accepted Materials (check each location for specifics):

• Cabinets: new & used, undamaged, with all parts
• Plumbing: usable fixtures, parts & supplies - check locations for specifics
  
• Electrical: usable fixtures, parts & supplies. Some locations accept certain home electronics.
  
• Hardware: knobs, hinges, locks, cabinet pulls, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, in quantity only
• Home Decor Items
• Lumber, Drywall: at least 6’ in length
• ​Doors: interior & exterior, with jambs, no broken glass
  
• Roofing: in full bales (minimum of 3)
• Insulation: full bales only
• Carpet: new only, rolled & labeled with size (for used carpet see A-Z list)
• Tools: hand, garden & working power
• Flooring: wood, ceramic, tile, vinyl (new)
• Millwork/Trim: usable lengths
• Countertops: granite, solid surface, laminate (no custom corners)
• Appliances: newer or vintage (depending on location) and in good working order
  
• Furniture: acceptance varies; if a location accepts upholstered furniture, it must be without tears, stains, odors or other problems.  ​
  
• Landscaping: blocks & materials
• Paint: new / unused latex only
• Miscellaneous: masonry, sheathing siding, drywall supplies

Items That Are Generally NOT Accepted:

• Clothing, shoes, handbags, etc. (designer handbags in good condition are accepted at the West Aurora store)
  
• Used mattresses or bedding
  
• China hutches, sideboards, armoires and entertainment centers
  
• MDF/particle board furniture
  
• CRT televisions
  
• Lead-based paint or lead pipe
  
• Fiberglass bathtubs and tub surrounds
  
• Paint, stain, or varnish (opened) and other household hazardous wastes
• Used blinds or curtains
  
• Wallpaper
• Used flooring materials (soft or hard)​
  
• Used shutters
  
• Aluminum or vinyl siding (unless new and large volume)
• Window parts & pieces/ Storm windows
• Building material scraps (<6' length)
  
• Car parts or accessories
  
• Items that are broken or missing parts
• Used garbage disposals and trash compactors
• Baby furniture
  

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​Get social with it!
"Buy nothing" groups and community buy-sell-trade groups on Facebook, Nextdoor and other social media platforms are often good ways to get rid of or acquire household goods and building materials locally for cheap or for free. Social media not your thing? There's always garage sales!​