What to do with DIY waste
Planning a DIY project?
Have a peek at these tips on how to reuse or recycle as much DIY waste as possible.
Bricks, building rubble and soil
These can be advertised on sites such as Preloved, Freegle, Freecycle, Gumtree or Facebook pages.
People often use these materials for garden renovations such as rockeries or landscaping. You may be surprised at the amount of people that want to take them off your hands!
Domestic Appliances
Appliances such as fridges, freezers or cookers can be taken to your local furniture reuse group where they will be refurbished and either donated or sold on.
You could also try advertising unwanted appliances on sites such as Preloved, Freegle, Freecycle or Gumtree.
Garden Waste
If you have lots of garden waste, why not try composting it at home? Composting is natures way of recycling and will produce nutrient rich compost which is great for your garden. Have a look here to find a handy guide on composting and here for information on reduced priced compost bins.
Furniture
Ensure your furniture is reused by taking it to your local furniture reuse group where it will be restored and either donated or sold on. Some reuse groups may collect your unwanted furniture for free.
Furniture can also be advertised on sites like Gumtree, Preloved, Freegle or Freecycle or donated to some charity shops.
Paint
Check to see if any local community groups may accept donations of paint.
You could try advertising unwanted paint on sites such as Gumtree, Preloved, Freegle, Freecycle or Facebook pages.
Power Tools
Broken power tools? Visit your local Repair Café!
Check to see if any local community groups or a Library of Things may accept donations of your unwanted but working power tools.
Alternatively, give them away or advertise on sites such as Gumtree, Preloved, Freegle and Freecycle or Facebook pages.
Sanitary Ware
If you have replaced your bathroom and are unsure what to do with your old suite, you could try giving them away or advertising it on sites such as Gumtree, Preloved, Freegle and Freecycle.
Wood
If you have wood leftover from recent DIY projects you can try advertising on sites such as Gumtree, Freegle, Freecycle and Preloved. People sometimes need wood for their own DIY projects and will often collect it from your house.
Recycling materials from household DIY
Reuse is the best option. However, if you need to take any DIY material to your local Household Waste Recycling Centres charges and limits may apply – please click here for more information.
Recycling Centres in Torbay: Click here for more information.
Recycling Centres in Plymouth: Click here for more information.
