Western New York's Largest Supplier of Reclaimed & Surplus Building Material

REUSE Materials From Your Construction Project–
IMPROVE Your Bottom Line With Deconstruction & Salvage

The removal of construction materials from both commercial and residential buildings is called deconstruction or more simply salvage. Both terms describe the careful removal of quality materials with the explicit purpose of reuse. The use of reclaimed materials has become quite popular in commercial redevelopment. Examples of reclaimed materials used in new designs can be seen in WNY at Canalside, Five Points Bakery on the West Side; the new Thin Man Brewery in the Elmwood Village; and Aroma Cafe on North Forest in Amherst, to name just a few. Almost every new project is hoping to achieve a unique and … Read more

ReUse Action is HIRING Accepting Resumes!

We’ve filled these positions, but we’re always open to talking with people about working at ReUse Action. If you’re interested in working with us, please email a resume and cover letter to info@reuseaction.com. Thanks! In the coming weeks you’ll learn of new developments in our company, new intentions, and a new vision for our role in the Buffalo community.  We hope you’ll stay connected and share our vision with others.  Please share these postings with people you may know who are looking for a new adventure and challenge.  We’re currently looking to identify a lead project manager with great construction … Read more

People ask us . . . Why Do You Do What You Do?

From our About page: Question: People ask us . . . Why Do You Do What You Do? (WDYDWYD?) Answer 1: Jobs! We’re committed to creating local and green jobs for the Buffalo community. More importantly, we feel these jobs should leverage the waste in our society to create opportunity. We’re interested in a critical analysis of our economy to identify wasteful business practices that damage our communities and our environment, and opportunities that exist for new ventures. We’re determined to find solutions and to implement alternatives that put people to work. Answer 2: Innovation! As we look at the … Read more

Re-Training the Queen City — Part 1

So…i’m getting heat from ReUse Action staff that we are not doing the best job keeping our website up to date of current events and happenings…the problem is we’re so darn busy. This blog post features an update on our latest and greatest project ever…the 468 room salvage at the Hotel Lafayette.  Work began just two weeks ago and we anticipate another 4 weeks on-site.  We’re making progress, keeping tremendous materials out of the landfill and creating employment opportunities here in our fine city… And now, the latest from staff member Megan McNally…more to come… Retraining the Queen City: Part … Read more

Building ReUse Special Forces…

The building reuse industry is growing, getting more attention, and becoming a more realistic option for developers, architects, and homeowners. Buffalo Deconstruction Contractors, ReUse Action and Buffalo ReUse, shared their expertise and learning experiences yesterday as participants and presenters at the 3rd Annual Deconstruction Summit in Syracuse. While I was serving at Buffalo ReUse, we submitted a bid package to deconstruct eighteen residential structures as part of the Syracuse University School of Environmental Science and Forestry’s (ESF) campus expansion.   While ESF ultimately opted for demolition with a very challenging construction timeline, our involvement and expertise was given praise yesterday by … Read more

reuse at Livestrong Foundation

Not only is the Livestrong Foundation fighting to improve the lives of people across the nation and the world living with cancer, their National Headquarters in East Austin, Texas, is an amazing example of reuse in action.  Previously a paper plant built in the 1950’s, this LEED Gold Project now models the tremendous artistic and aesthetic potential of incorporating existing elements and reclaimed materials into design and rehabilitation. In this second photo, you can see how the old manufacturing building was modified and fashioned with a new sawtooth roof.  To accomplish this new design modification, which greatly increases natural lighting … Read more

reclaiming the queen city: chapter 1

So a big part of our work at ReUse Action will focus on designing and creating spaces that feature and incorporate both existing components and reclaimed materials.  This is the first chapter in a series of projects that will feature the creative use of reclaimed materials.  Some will be the featured projects of ReUse Action, others the design and invention of other reclaimed folks here in the Queen City, and some will be featured projects from far away lands.  We hope you will find these projects interesting.  Maybe you’ll learn something that you can incorporate into one of your own … Read more

mining for ideas in TO…

So there’s nothing like a visit to Toronto to stimulate your brain cells and get the ideas flowing.  As I walked through an area called the Junction on Dundas Street in Toronto, I started thinking about the power and potential of entrepreneurship as an economic booster in Buffalo.  Not just plain old profit driven business, but entrepreneurship embraces people and place.   Entrepreneurship that doesn’t just take and consume, but that gives back.  Business that creates a net positive impact for its workers, the environment, and the community in which it operates.  This is what we’re thinking of when we use … Read more

taking the first step…

When we started ReUse, our initial momentum was fueled by the combination of belief that a better way existed, unyielding determination despite the many obstacles, and passion for the health of our environment and our community.  This is what got me out of bed every morning and kept me up late into the evening. The belief, determination, and passion fueled my fire of action for almost four years.  When I was terminated from ReUse, the fire was completely extinguished, dramatically and without warning.  Even more devastating was the loss of my team, my collaborators, my partners.  I still experience a … Read more