Jackie Thompson
Since March 2020, about 60% of homeowners have started DIY projects — and this number grew to 80% in June 2020, according to The Farnsworth Group. These DIY projects naturally result in scraps and waste which need to be disposed of ethically and responsibly. The question now is: how can homeowners safely recycle their DIY scrap metals? Thankfully, there are several ways to do so.
Collection And Drop-off Points
In an average DIY home renovation or DIY craft, different screws are needed for different jobs: for example, wood screws are needed for wood furniture DIY, and self-tapping screws are used for plastic and sheet metal DIY. The trouble is that not all of them are used. What ends up happening is that homeowners end up collecting screws, nails, nuts and bolts of varying sizes and styles that can’t really be used as they lack pairs or the project has been completed. Some of them end up not being stored properly and get rusty. Nuts and bolts are some of the common recyclable items that are thrown away, according to Odyssey. Instead of throwing them away, homeowners can instead collect and store them in containers until they are full. Then homeowners may drop them off at specific drop-off points that accept and process scrap metal. It’s a good way to recycle scrap metal in an efficient manner.
Upcycling Through Arts And Crafts
Homeowners also have the option to upcycle their construction and craft metal scraps. There are multiple benefits to upcycling, including monetary savings, and reducing the amount of metal that goes into landfills. Homeowners can use old nails and add them to any spare wooden boards, and turn them into an engaging wooden calendar. Old screws can also be used to distress upholstery and other fabrics, and give character to new furniture. The writers at Hunker recommend using heavy screws in a sock to beat against different parts of new furniture to give it a controlled, aged look. Homeowners with welding tools and experience can turn old screws and nails into chimes, sculptures, and unique picture frames that can be used as gifts or products for profit.
Donating Metal Scraps And Spares
When DIY projects are completed and there are materials that remain unused, it would be unwise to have them lying around, as improper storage may rust nails and screws that were once in good condition. Instead of having scraps and spares go to waste, it would be better to donate them to organizations that are constantly accepting gently used and new building materials. Some examples of these organizations are Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, and Salvation Army. There are smaller organizations that accept metal scrap and spares, so it would be best for homeowners to check around their immediate areas to see if there are ones nearby.
Professional Waste Disposal Companies
A professional waste disposal company may also help homeowners responsibly dispose of any scrap metal or hardware leftovers they may have from DIY projects or home improvements. Screws, nails, nuts and bolts are considered ferrous metals, which are largely composed of iron and steel. These can be used over and over again when processed properly. Professional waste disposal companies are trained to identify which pieces of scrap metal can still be processed, and they have the facilities and equipment necessary to responsibly recycle or dispose of metal scraps.
The little bits of metal scrap that come from home renovations and DIY crafts eventually pile up and take up a lot of space in the home. Recycling them is not only environmentally responsible, but it also helps keep homes clear of clutter to facilitate future projects. It is best for homeowners to look for nearby organizations that can provide them with further understanding of how they can DIY responsibly moving forward.