What do you do with remodel shrapnel (old functional appliances/scraps/etc)?

[CraigP]

When you guys are working on your homes and taking out appliances and walls and updating things, what do you do with the old stuff?

For instance, I have a couple fans and some track lighting that have been removed and replaced in the past two months. I will have wire shelving and a full wall bookcase/desk to get rid of in the future. Everything works fine, it just needed to be updated. I've tried selling them on craigslist and now they're for sale here in the Classifieds.

If nobody buys them, is there somewhere I can donate them in the Chicago area. What do you guys do with all your stuff?

 

[csp]

Free on craigs

 

[ishiboo]

When you guys are working on your homes and taking out appliances and walls and updating things, what do you do with the old stuff?

For instance, I have a couple fans and some track lighting that have been removed and replaced in the past two months. I will have wire shelving and a full wall bookcase/desk to get rid of in the future. Everything works fine, it just needed to be updated. I've tried selling them on craigslist and now they're for sale here in the Classifieds.

If nobody buys them, is there somewhere I can donate them in the Chicago area. What do you guys do with all your stuff?

Habitat ReStore.

 

[rsanter]

craigslist or yardsale
every working appliance I have ever taken out I have not had any trouble selling
I have sold the old carpet and padding
sinks, fixtures....you name it
dont ask much and people will buy them to use in rentals or even their house

bob

 

[blue dog]

I will second habitat for humanity. In some cases you can get a tax credit for items donated. Most major cities will have a division of habitat for humanity.

 

[JC23]

Worse case scenario - scrap it.

 

[Scout Driver]

Put them along the curb in the evening with a sign that says "FREE", or a sign that says "Do Not Take". Either way, the items will be gone by morning.

More seriously, find a charitable thrift store to take them if you can't sell them.

Scott

 

[esmith2039]

Habitat ReStore.

This.. what you have is probably a bit better than some. Really help those who are starting out.

 

[trainwreck]

I've had an idea for wire shelving, but didn't have any handy at the time. Can you try to use them as a pliers rack? Sort of like here: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87311

 

[crewchief888]

i usually dont toss out anything that still works.

ive reused nearly everything we removed during remodeling projects,
old ceiling fans moved downstairs, and to the garage
bathroom light fixtures in the garage
old fridge went to the shop, scrapped when it stopped working
used old washer and dryer to wash garage clothes and rags, scrapped when they quit working
old shelving & brackets, went to the garage.

planning on renovating the upstairs bathroom soon, exhaust fan and lighting will get used in the garage.

the wife gets mad at me cuz i dont toss out usable, but outdated stuff, it gets repurposed in the garage or basement.

 

[5lima30]

+1 on Habitat!

 

[T1320T]

If in working condition ^^. If it's scrap/not fixable, I throw it in a bucket & scrap it.

 

[fflintstone]

If you cant sell it cheap on CL then take it to a Habitat Restore.
When I lived in the metro area I could sell just about anything on CL.
Now that I live in the sticks I dont bother.

 

[CraigP]

Thanks for your input everybody. I'm giving CL another shot and we'll see what happens. I've also found a local Habitat ReStore location, so I'll be giving them a call next week if the fans aren't gone.

@trainwreck - that is a great idea for a plier wrack. I could definitely bend some of it up to keep my stuff sorted. Now if I only had a tool box with drawers to put my pliers in!

@crewchief888 - I'll be reusing a solid desk top as the top of my future workbench as well. I might also be using the pull out drawers for storage and I'll definitely be reusing some of the shelving I've previously mentioned.

 

[Old Moparz]

You can try this site where people post free things they are looking to get rid of, or asking for things to see if there is one in your area.

http://www.freecycle.org/

My wife has had good responses from people when she gets rid of things. Sometimes we just leave it on the porch & don't have to be home when they come to pick it up.

 

[CraigP]

Well guys, I dropped some stuff at my local Habitat ReStore location yesterday. Two ceiling fans, some track lighting units, and another light fixture, all donated. It was my first time browsing one of their locations - cabinets, paint, tile, nails, plaster, doors, windows, appliances, hinges, ladders, everything, it was like a treasure hunt!

 

[HoseB]

Put 'em in the yard. Might need 'um someday...

 

[Scout Driver]

Well guys, I dropped some stuff at my local Habitat ReStore location yesterday. Two ceiling fans, some track lighting units, and another light fixture, all donated. It was my first time browsing one of their locations - cabinets, paint, tile, nails, plaster, doors, windows, appliances, hinges, ladders, everything, it was like a treasure hunt!

Good for you CraigP. It's great that your old stuff will get another chance to be used.

Scott