Congratulations! Now you are ready to remodel your outdated kitchen. It is recommended to update your kitchen at the least once every 10-15 years. Otherwise, you could end up with hundreds of kilos more rubbish.
It is important to think about how you will reuse and recycle as many fixtures and other features as possible before you go too far.
You may want to take out the cabinets from your kitchen. Kitchen cabinets are an expensive item so it’s possible to sell them.
You might also find it interesting that charities accept building materials. It may be possible to recycle your kitchen cabinets, depending on their condition. For more information, please read on.
What are kitchen cabinets made from?
Kitchen cabinets can be made from wood. What kind of wood? It is possible to recycle untreated wood (wood that doesn’t have any stain, varnish or paint). It can be used to make compost or mulch by being chipped. It can also be used to make chipboard lumber and particleboard.
Although it is not exactly recycling wood, many places use it for fuel. Wood from your kitchen cabinets cannot be recycled if it has been treated, which is likely. Recycled wood is used to make mulch or compost, so it is vital that no hazardous chemicals get into the material.
Treated wood should not also be burned as the chemicals contained in it can be released into the atmosphere. Kitchen cabinets made out of chipboard, particleboard or another composite material shouldn’t be recycled. These products are made from old wood chips and glue.
It is often toxic and contains formaldehyde. This makes it unsafe to recycle. The first thing you should do when considering your options for disposing your kitchen cabinets is to identify what kind of wood they are made of. Then you can decide if your kitchen cabinet can be reused or thrown away.
How do I choose the best way of disposing of my cabinets?
There are many choices available. However, the best option for your needs will be determined by two factors.
What shape are your cabinets made in?
- Someone may be interested in them if they can be sanded, painted, or repaired.
You can even reuse them as crafts!
- Ask the organization if they are willing to take your old cabinets. They may also ask for a photo before scheduling a pick up.
- You can post an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace for FREE if the items are not in good condition.
- Your cabinets may not be wanted by anyone or in very poor condition.
Do you have enough space for them to be stored?
- If you don’t have storage space or live in a place where you can’t store your items outside, plan ahead to arrange for a donation pickup or delivery.
- If you have a garage or basement, store them until pickup.
- You can tarp your cabinets outdoors if there is enough space.
How to Recycle Kitchen Cabinets
If you have kitchen cabinets that are made of untreated lumber, and want to ensure they get recycled properly, you can drop them off at the local recycling center.
Remove any paper coverings on the cabinets or similar materials and dispose of them before placing the wood in the recycle bin. Check local websites for wood recycling facilities. They will not accept branches or other yard trimmings.
There are many cities that only list “wood recycling program” on their website. They may not be interested in other types of “green waste.” Sometimes commercial companies have access that homeowners may not have to the recycling resources.
Take a note: Make sure your new kitchen cabinets are made from untreated wood. This will make it easy to reuse them later. Make sure that your cabinets are durable and of high quality so that you don’t have to replace them for a long time.
