Green
Hauling?
Submitted By: Steve Richard (swrichard@comcast.net)
Challenge
Recently we remodeled one of our bathrooms. The first step
as in any remodel was to remove all of the existing
cabinets, sinks, tub, tile, and other fixtures.
We put everything that we removed out on our driveway
and I wondered how to best get rid of it. We weren’t using
a general contractor so we needed to figure it out on our
own. Did it have to go to the dump? Could any of it be
re-used in any way? Who would want a bathtub, sinks,
faucets, and toilet that were installed in 1950?
Solution
Details
I had heard of Urban Ore in Berkeley and gave them a call.
After a few questions, they agreed to come out and pick up
our old cast iron tub, pink sinks, old faucets, and toilet
for free. Urban Ore is famous in the East Bay. They collect
and receive a wide array of unwanted items and sell them
as-is for reuse.
Now all I had to do was figure out what to do with
the pile of debris in our driveway. I went on the Internet
and searched for “Green Hauling” and came across Eco
Hauling, based in Petaluma. They specialize in the reuse
and recycling of the material that they haul. They claimed
that the vast majority of what they haul does not go to the
landfill. Basically, before going to the dump, they make
stops at for-profit reuse organizations, non-profit reuse
centers, donation centers, thrift stores, salvage yards,
recycling centers, and many other places depending on
location and materials. They cost more than a standard dump
service because you’re paying for them to make all the
stops. The concept sounded great, but I was wanted to know
where our specific debris would end up. When they looked at
our pile they said the scrap wood (including the old
cabinet) from our bathroom could be recycled, but not the
old tile pieces from our floor and shower or any sheetrock
scraps. Apparently no one recycles those materials that
they’re aware of.
Benefits
& Payback
At the end of the day, we felt we had done everything we
could to divert our debris from the landfill and that felt
good. The only waste was old sheetrock and tile scraps.
Maybe one day that can be recycled as well.
Informational
Links
Urban Ore in Berkeley - they
receive and pick up items that can be re-sold "as is"
Eco Hauling based in Petaluma -
they are a hauling service that specializes in the
reuse and recycling of the material that they pick up.
