Since launching our Manufacturing Waste Diversion Program, The RE Store has been working with local manufacturers to help valuable materials stay in circulation while supporting local businesses and reducing environmental impact at the same time. For our community, it means increased access to affordable materials for builders, artists, DIYers, and homeowners.
Here’s a quick update on how the program is growing.
What We’ve Diverted So Far
Since July, our crew has picked up more than 27,000 pounds of manufacturing byproduct from local manufacturers. That’s over 13 tons of usable material kept out of the landfill in just a few months.
Based on disposal fees alone, we estimate this diversion represents thousands of dollars in avoided costs for participating businesses.
These savings don’t account for additional benefits like:
- Reduced labor spent managing waste
- More available warehouse and storage space
- A tax-deductible donation to a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit
New and Growing Partnerships
One local food production partner is currently diverting a few hundred pounds of material per pickup. At this steady rate, they’re on track to keep several thousand pounds per year out of the landfill.
On the wood manufacturing side, the impact is even larger. Based on current pickup volumes, one local millwork partner is projected to divert over 100,000 pounds of clean wood waste annually with just one pickup per month. Scheduling regular pickups with us will save them several thousand dollars in annual disposal savings, while ensuring clean, reusable material stays in circulation.
Get Involved
The Manufacturing Waste Diversion Program is completely free for participating businesses.
Here’s how it works:
- You get in touch. Businesses sign up for a free waste assessment.
- We come to you. Our crew visits the site to evaluate surplus manufacturing byproduct and identify materials that can be diverted.
- We set up a plan. We establish a pickup schedule that works for their operation.
- We haul it away. Saving them time, money, and labor
- Back into use. We make the materials available for the community
We also offer one-time pickups for manufacturers looking to clear out backstock or surplus materials.
Sign up for a free Manufacturing Waste Diversion assessment
Or contact Blake Clarkson directly at BlakeC@re-store.org