How to Recycle Plumbing Fixtures

Remodeling jobs can produce a lot of waste. In this era of green living and eco-friendly building, it is desirable to try to recycle or reuse as much as possible. Plumbing fixtures are one of the easiest pieces to recycle as metal is always reusable.

• Find a construction reuse store. Many communities have stores or sites for contractors or homeowners to bring unused building materials or gently-used equipment, such as plumbing fixtures, for donation.  If your plumbing fixtures are in good working order, then they can be donated for use by someone else. For instance, Habitat for Humanity runs a ReStore outlet that is open to the public and benefits the organization’s goals of providing affordable housing. A tax write-off may also be given for your donation.


• Take them to a metal recycling center. Many recycling centers will accept plumbing fixtures and other metals for recycling. Copper and aluminum are desirable metals for recycling centers as they have high value. Other metals such as steel or brass can also be recycled. If your fixtures are a solid metal, you will more than likely receive some money for them from the recycling center.


• Reuse  them in your own home. Have you always wanted an outdoor sink for gardening or cleaning? Use your old plumbing fixtures in a shed, garage or garden sink for outdoor cleaning, gardening, dog washing, rinsing paint brushes or any other outdoor use. Check your local construction reuse store for a gently-used sink, and help recycle an item from someone else’s remodeling project!