Reuse Organization Profiles

Second Use Building Materials, Inc.

Overview

Second Use Building Materials, Inc., a salvager and seller of used building materials, has one mission: to divert reusable building materials from the waste stream. They typically have one to five crews (sometimes more) in the field salvaging or picking up used building materials. Three by-products of Second Use's mission are to preserve natural resources, preserve architectural heritage, and offer affordable materials to the community.

History

Second Use was founded by Royal Hunter, a lifelong environmentalist, political activist, and carpenter; the company was incorporated in September of 1994. Hunter's mission encompassed Second Use's mission to divert reusable building materials from the waste stream. Lawson Schaller joined Hunter in November of 1994; his interest is in waste diversion and he has a background in business. Michael Armstrong was the next addition to the ownership team in 1996. Armstrong has a background in retail, tea master/production, and art. Even though Hunter passed away in 1999; his courage and vision are greatly appreciated by Second Use, and the company continues to carry out his legacy.

Operations

Second Use provides complete removal service, salvage, and sales, utilizing several trucks, forklifts, and over 40,000 square feet of retail space. Second Use also uses an in-house database system to track inventory, suppliers, and customers, as well as a multitude of other information.

Materials Accepted/Inventory

Second Use accepts a wide variety of usable materials. Residential, commercial, generic, contemporary, and vintage materials are accepted on a case by case basis. They have over 1,000 windows and doors in stock, as well as hundreds of plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, and more.

Source of Materials

Homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, small and large contractors, businesses (manufacturers, distributors, retail, etc.), government entities, etc. provide Second Use with materials.

Technical Assistance

Second Use now offers fee based technical assistance to start ups and operations looking to expand.

Contact Information

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Last updated: November 01, 2007