The Best Ways To Recycle Construction Waste In LA

The Best Ways To Recycle Construction Waste In LA (Without Losing Your Mind)

Hey there, fellow Angelenos! Let’s talk about something we’ve all seen piled up on our streets: construction waste. You know the drill—dumpsters overflowing with drywall, concrete, and who-knows-what-else after a remodel. But here’s the kicker: LA sends over 5 million tons of construction debris to landfills every year. Yikes. As a team that’s tackled everything from small bathroom remodels to custom home building here in Los Angeles, we’ve learned a thing or two about recycling construction waste without making it feel like a chore. (And yes, we’ll even share how to save some cash along the way.)

At America Green Builders, we’ve made it our mission to turn “trash” into treasure—because let’s face it, nobody wants their dream kitchen remodeling project to end with a guilt trip about the planet. Ready to dive in? Let’s get into it.

Why Bother Recycling Construction Waste? (Besides Saving the Planet, Obviously)

Look, we get it. Recycling isn’t exactly the sexiest part of a renovation. But here’s the deal: Los Angeles has strict waste regulations, and tossing everything into a landfill can hit your wallet harder than rush hour on the 405. Plus, reusing materials can actually lower your project’s cost—something we’ve seen firsthand while working on ADU builds and room additions across neighborhoods like Mission Hills.

Ever wonder what happens to that old lumber or concrete? Spoiler: It doesn’t just vanish. Recycling keeps materials in circulation, reduces disposal fees, and hey—it might even score you some karma points with the neighbors.

Our Top 5 Ways To Recycle Like A Pro

1. Deconstruct, Don’t Demolish

Demolition might feel cathartic (who doesn’t love swinging a sledgehammer?), but deconstruction is where the magic happens. Instead of smashing everything to bits, carefully dismantle items like cabinets, doors, or fixtures. Why? These materials can be donated to local nonprofits or reused in your next project—like turning scrap wood into shelving for your garage conversion.

Pro Tip: Work with remodeling contractors who prioritize deconstruction. At America Green Builders, we’ve salvaged enough materials from bathroom remodeling jobs to outfit three entire ADUs. Not bad, right?

2. Sort Your Waste On-Site

Think of this as recycling’s VIP section. Set up separate bins for:

• Concrete, brick, and asphalt (perfect for crushing into gravel)
• Metals (copper pipes = $$$)
• Wood (untreated lumber can live another life as flooring or decor)
• Drywall (yes, it’s recyclable—just keep it dry!)

FYI, mixing everything into one dumpster is like tossing a salad with your hands tied. Messy, inefficient, and guaranteed to cost you extra.

3. Donate To Local Organizations

Got cabinets that survived a kitchen remodeling project? Donate them to places like Habitat for Humanity ReStore. We’ve partnered with these orgs for years, and trust us—they’ll gladly take usable materials off your hands. Plus, it’s a tax write-off. Mic drop.

4. Repurpose Materials Creatively

That pile of broken concrete from your hardscaping project? Crush it into gravel for garden paths. Old tiles? Mosaic tabletops. We once turned reclaimed barn wood from a deck contractor job into a killer accent wall for a client in Silver Lake. (Cue the Instagram likes.)

5. Partner With Recycling Facilities

Not all heroes wear capes—some operate sorting facilities. LA has spots like Athens Services or Republic Services that specialize in construction recycling. Just make sure your outdoor living contractor or deck contractor knows where to haul the goods.

“But What’s This Gonna Cost Me?” Let’s Talk Numbers

We’ll level with you: Recycling isn’t always cheaper upfront. But between avoiding landfill fees, tax deductions, and reused materials, the long-term savings add up. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Source: Our 2023 project data for Los Angeles.

And hey, if you’re sweating the logistics, just shout. America Green Builders handles waste recycling on every job—whether it’s a small bathroom remodel or a full custom home build.

Why You Need A Team That Gives A Damn

Let’s be real: Not all remodeling contractors in Los Angeles prioritize recycling. (Some would rather dump everything and bolt.) That’s why checking reviews and asking “What’s your waste plan?” is crucial. At our core, we’re a bunch of eco-nerds who geek out over efficient material reuse. For example:

• We repurposed 80% of the waste from a room addition in Mission Hills.
• Slashed disposal costs by 40% on a hardscaping project by recycling pavers.

Bottom line? Hiring the nearest contractor isn’t enough. You need someone who’ll treat your project—and the planet—with respect.

3 Burning Questions (Answered Without The Jargon)

1. “Is recycling worth it for small projects?”
Absolutely! Even a small bathroom remodel generates half a ton of waste. Recycling drywall or fixtures might save you $200–$500.

2. “What about hazardous stuff like paint or asbestos?”
Leave it to the pros. We partner with certified disposal teams to handle toxins safely—because DIY-ing this is a hard pass.

3. “How do I find reliable recycling services near me?”
Google “construction recycling Los Angeles” or ask your contractor. (Psst: We include recycling in every quote. Just sayin’.)

Ready To Build Green? Let’s Do This

Recycling construction waste isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of building in LA. Whether you’re planning a garage conversion, ADU, or outdoor living space, small choices add up. And hey, if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to someone else, America Green Builders is right here in your backyard.

We’ve helped hundreds of locals build smarter, waste less, and save more. Check out our reviews, swing by our Mission Hills office, or just give us a ring. Let’s turn your next project into a win for your home and the city we love.

Cue the confetti (made from recycled paper, of course). 🎉