Maximizing Reclamation of Reusable Materials

Introduction

• Focus on maximizing reclamation of reusable materials for subsequent reuse.
• Emphasis on off-site reclamation pathways and public procurement procedures.

Reclamation Context

• Occurs during building transformations involving demolition works.
• Importance of creating an inventory of reusable materials:
  • Purpose: List batches of materials with reuse potential.
  • Helps in reusing materials in new projects, either on-site or elsewhere.

Importance of Material Type

• Understanding material types influences reclamation approach.
• Categories of materials for discussion:
  • High value materials
  • Classic reclaimed materials
  • Less stable market materials

High Value Materials

• Definition: Valued for history, antique character, or rarity.
• Examples:
  • Old lighting fixtures, rare stones (e.g., Noir de Mazy), antique marbles.
• Reclamation Options:
  • On-site preservation or careful dismantling for reuse.
  • Sale procedures for reclamation if on-site options are not feasible.
• Resources:
  • Companies specializing in reclamation of antique materials.
  • Opalis.eu for directories of reclamation companies.
  • Vademecum for off-site reuse (2014) for public tendering procedures.

Classic Reclaimed Materials

• Examples in Belgium:
  • Bricks, marble, timber flooring, tiles, etc.
• Possible pathways:
  • Same-site reuse or reliance on existing dealers.
  • Dealers ensure marketing and storage of materials for maximum reuse.
  • General demolition contractor can also assist in dismantling.
• Economic Considerations:
  • Reclaimed materials may not yield profit but often do not incur additional costs.
  • Rotor's "Reclamation" sheet for integrating reclamation into demolition contracts.

Less Stable Market Materials

• Characteristics:
  • Not yet stable commercial channels for reclamation.
  • May include new materials with cheaper equivalents.
• Reclamation Challenges:
  • Often generic or present in small quantities, making them less attractive to dealers.
• Suggested Pathways:
  • Prioritize same-site reuse to confirm demand.
  • Off-site options like auction sales or donations to private users and associations.

Reclamation Procedures

• All options start with careful dismantling by the demolition contractor.
• Additional requirements based on chosen pathways (e.g., reuse, salvage yard, or sales).
• Detailed in the "Reclamation" sheet available alongside the video.

Conclusion

• Overview of procedures for reclaiming different types of reusable materials.
• Note: Various reclamation pathways can be combined within the same building.
• References to resources provided below the video.