Who says nothing is free in this world? Do you need a dryer, bed or bookshelf? Are you looking for scrap plywood or old doors? Do you have stuff to give away? If so, then check out the options below for selling, buying and giving away useable pre-owned items.
See www.2good2toss.com for an online materials exchange. This Web site is for used or surplus building materials and large household items. You can post free stuff, sell items for up to $99, and list wanted items.
The site’s straightforward directions tell you how to set up a user name and password, browse listings or post your own, and use the contact information to arrange pickup or delivery of goods.
Coordinated by the Washington State Department of Ecology, the site’s purpose is to keep stuff out of landfills. Snohomish County is one among many counties and towns that has its own local site.
“We are very interested in eliminating waste, and that means not making it in the first place,” said Polagaya McLaughlin, Snohomish County Public Works senior planner. According to McLaughlin, who assists with the site, during the last six months, 2 Good 2 Toss exchanges have diverted approximately 30,000 tons of material from the landfill.
“It’s a free service to the public and it’s important for people to list good things that still have a useable life,” she said.
Another local Web site is “changing the world one gift at a time.” The Freecycle Network (www.freecycle.org) is a nonprofit grassroots site with more than 5 million members around the world. It too, is about reusing stuff and keeping it out of the landfill. Membership is free and Snohomish County has nearly 5,000 members in its group.
Freecycle Network is more about giving than getting. The concept is simple. You give away something you no longer need. You post it on the Web site and interested members respond. According to one user, you could furnish an entire house in a couple of months.
Online exchanges are not the only groups working to keep stuff out of our landfills.
“Our goal is to divert stuff from a landfill and do it in a way that is cost effective,” said Dirk Wassink, part owner of Second Use Building Materials, in Seattle. “We view ourselves as bringing together people in the community.”
The company performs nonstructural salvage of building materials with field crews who remove and pick up materials from homes, job sites and companies. Wassink describes it as pulling out cabinets, doors, windows, some hardwood flooring, trim and lighting. “It’s everything but taking apart a structure,” he said.
People can drop off materials at Second Use as well. But, call first because not everything is accepted
The company also houses more than 20,000 square feet of retail space.
Homeowners, designers, artists, architects and contractors regularly peruse the store for vintage and contemporary building materials.
“There are things you need to know about salvaged materials,” Wassink said. For example, you would not want to buy just any toilet or window. But don’t be put off by lack of knowledge. The staff on hand can help. “They are not experts, but can help you figure it out,” he said.
Wassink talks of certain principles that help when thinking about buying used building materials. First, know what direction you want to go and be aware that it can take time to find items that will fit in your home.
Do you want to replace hollow core doors with panel doors? Are you looking for lighting fixtures with character? Maybe you want an eclectic mix or mid-century look.
A second principle is to build creativity and flexibility into your remodel. Know the basic idea of what you want to do, but check out the materials first. For example, if you are looking for windows, be flexible with the size and know that stylistically you might not get what you want.
Wassink advises that you should be ready to learn, try new things, ask questions, and get some books about using salvage materials.
“If you are a do-it-yourselfer, it helps if you aren’t too hard on yourself,” he added.
Realize that you were able to be creative and add character to your home or building by working with imperfectness and helping out the environment at the same time.
A good place to start is by browsing Second Use’s online inventory at www.seconduse.com. If you see something you want, give them a phone call and they’ll place a courtesy hold on the item for a couple of hours.
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