ReClaim

ReClaim is an innovative approach that combines sustainability and affordability. When a building is about to be demolished or majorly renovated, our ReClaim crew can carefully remove building materials and use them to support Habitat’s mission.

Demolition and renovation typically generate lots of waste. But all that material doesn’t have to end up in the landfill. The salvage process extends the lifecycle of usable materials and reduces our reliance on the manufacturing of new products.

ReClaim can help home and business owners save money on demolition costs. It is a free service, whereas labor, landfilling, and dumpster fees can add lots of cost to a project, and all reclaimed items are tax deductible.

Items are sold at the ReStore, where every dollar earned supports our work of creating affordable homes. We also install many ReClaim items in our current construction and rehab projects. This approach exemplifies the idea of a circular economy, where products are reused rather than replaced with something new.

habitat team working on fireplace area

The ReClaim Process

  • 1 Property owner submits a ReClaim Request Form to Habitat staff
  • 2 ReClaim staff inspect property to plan for ReClaim project
  • 3 ReClaim staff and volunteers carefully remove usable materials
  • 4 Salvaged items are brought to the ReStore or used in Habitat homes
  • 5 Profit from ReStore sales goes directly to fund Habitat home construction

What we’ve reclaimed

  • Antiques
  • Appliances
  • Cabinets
  • Doors
  • Hardwood flooring
  • Light fixtures
  • Sinks
  • Toilets
  • Windows
  • Water heaters
  • And more!

Measuring Success

Between 2018 and 2022, the ReClaim program diverted over 312,000 pounds of material from the landfill. That’s the equivalent of 7.5 million aluminum cans! Sales of ReClaim items at the ReStore have funded the construction of at least one whole Habitat home.

ReClaim Request Form

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Type of building(Required)

At the time of deconstruction, will there be any contents of the property NOT available for donation?(Required)
Time of Demolition
ReStore also takes items such as furniture, appliances, decor, tools and lawn/garden equipment. Do you have any of these items that you would like to donate?(Required)
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 256 MB, Max. files: 4.

    A Barn ReClaim in Caledonia, MN

    Click a photo below to see an example ReClaim.