| Most people have seen videos or live demonstrations | | | | The second category, structural, consists of lumber, |
| of buildings being demolished via wrecking balls or | | | | concrete, and exterior coverings such as stone, brick, |
| implosion. Straight demolition can happen quickly and | | | | and siding. Once the non-structural materials have |
| efficiently. However, most if not all of the old building | | | | been removed, the building is dismantled from the |
| materials are taken directly to a landfill. An alternative | | | | roof down in an effort to preserve as many of the |
| is building recycling. | | | | structural components as possible. |
| Building recycling refers to the dismantlement of a | | | | A third category worth noting includes piping, duct |
| building or home. But, instead of taking the materials | | | | work, and wiring. Though technically non-structural in |
| to a landfill, items are systematically removed and | | | | nature, removing these materials often disrupts some |
| inventoried. These recycled building materials are then | | | | of the structural components of a building. They are |
| sold to other builders or stored for future use. It is | | | | often removed during the structural deconstruction |
| important to mention that the building materials must | | | | phase. |
| be kept dry during this phase unless they are for | | | | Building recycling involves a systematic approach to |
| exterior use. | | | | demolition. It also makes use of old materials which, in |
| Recycling a building is usually separated into two | | | | turn, reduces the energy consumption and emissions |
| distinct categories. These include separating the | | | | produced from manufacturing. Another great benefit |
| materials into structural and non-structural. The first | | | | is the reduction of materials sent to landfills. Recycling |
| group, non-structural, consists of doors, windows, | | | | homes and buildings is a great way to contribute to |
| cabinets, appliances, and flooring. These items are | | | | the sustainability of our planet. |
| removed first. | | | | |