Congratulations! You’re finally ready to remodel the outdated kitchen. It’s recommended to remodel your kitchen at least once every 10-15 year. That could result in hundreds of kilos of trash piling up over the lifetime.
Before you start thinking about the future, you should think about how to recycle or reuse as many old fixtures and features.
Cabinets could be the most expensive item you want to move from an outdated kitchen. The cabinets are expensive and you might be able to get rid of them.
There may also be charities that will accept your kitchen cabinets. You can recycle them if you prefer. It all depends on what they are made out of. Keep reading to learn more.
What materials are used in kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are made out of wood. The question is, what kind? Untreated wood can be recycled to make many different products. It can be shredded and turned into compost or mulch. It can also become chipboard lumber or particleboard.
Some places burn wood as fuel. However, it is much better than putting it into a landfill. Wood in kitchen cabinets that have been treated with chemicals will not be recyclable. As recycled wood is often used to make compost or mulch, it’s important that toxic chemicals are not introduced into the material.
Treated wood should not be burned since chemicals from it can be inhaled into the air. Kitchen cabinets made with particleboard, chipboard and other composite materials shouldn’t also be recycled. These products can only be made by cutting up wood scraps and adding glue.
The glue can contain formaldehyde and toxic chemicals which make it dangerous to safely recycle. To begin to think about the options for disposing off your kitchen cabinets you need to first identify the kind of wood inside. Once you have determined the type of wood in your kitchen cabinets, you can determine if they can be reused, recycled, or just thrown away.
How do I determine which method is best for me to dispose off my cabinets
There are many choices. The best one for you will be determined based on two factors.
What shape are your cabinets in, and what size?
- Someone might want them if they’re able to be sanded or painted.
They may be used again for crafts.
- If you are unsure if an organization will accept your old cabinets, ask them.
- Post an ad on Facebook Marketplace to let people know that they can be picked up if they are damaged or in poor shape.
- If your cabinets aren’t in great condition, or you don’t want them anymore, it may be worth disposing of them.
Do you have the room to store them all?
- If you don’t have any storage or live outside of a community that allows you to pick-up your items, consider arranging for a delivery or donation pick-up.
- If you have basement or garage space, keep them until pick up.
- If you have a place outside where you can store your cabinets, you might be able to tarp them until pick-up.
How to reuse kitchen cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets have been made with untreated wood and you wish to recycle them, then you can drop them off to your local recycling center.
Do not cover cabinets with kitchen paper or other similar materials. Look for local sites that accept lumber.
Many cities that list “wood-recycling programs” on the websites of their municipalities are only interested. Sometimes, homeowners have more access to recycled resources than commercial outfits.
Also, be sure to order kitchen cabinets made from untreated wood. You will be able recycle the cabinets when they are done. It is important to make sure your cabinets last for a long period of time.
