The handbook was created as an early-stage guide for those considering reuse. The guide focuses primarily on reuse potential, with practical tips and the legal and hazard-related barriers associated with it. Additionally, it covers recyclability and potential carbon emission savings. Below is a list of materials, along with their reuse potential and associated hazards; the full handbook is available here.
Reuse handbook
reusable without/with a few minor identified issues
reusable with several minor issues identified
reusable with several major issues identified
reuse is possible only in rare cases
reusable with some minor and major issues identified
Construction boards
Reuse potential
Chipboard
MDF board
OSB
Plywood
Plasterboard
Cement-based wall elements
Identified hazards*
formaldehyde and other VOCs, halogenated flame retardants, wood dust, mould/rot, PCBs
formaldehyde and other VOCs, halogenated flame retardants, wood dust, mould/rot
formaldehyde and other VOCs, wood dust, mould/rot
formaldehyde and other VOCs, wood dust, chromated copper arsenate (CCA), mould/rot
asbestos, gypsum dust, biocides
asbestos, respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
* excluding hazards related to surface treatment (e.g. paint)
Interior fixtures and fenestration
Reuse potential
Ceiling panels
Doors
Sanitary equipment
Ventilation ducts
Windows
Identified hazards*
mould, dirt
asbestos (older fire doors)
asbestos, pathogens
Dirt
asbestos, PCBs
* excluding hazards related to surface treatment (e.g. paint)
Cladding
Reuse potential
Aluminium panels (flat and corrugated)
Ceramic façade systems
Copper and zinc sheet cladding
Fibre cement panels
Metal composite panels
Natural stone
Timber cladding
Identified hazards*
not identified
respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
metal fumes
asbestos, respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
fire-related risks
not identified
wood dust
* excluding hazards related to surface treatment (e.g. paint)
Flooring
Reuse potential
Carpet
Ceramic tiles
Laminate flooring
Engineered wood flooring
Identified hazards*
dirt, pathogens, VOCs, mould
asbestos, respirable crystalline silica (RCS), mould
formaldehyde and other VOCs, mould/rot
formaldehyde and other VOCs, mould/rot
* excluding hazards related to surface treatment (e.g. paint)
Insulation
Reuse potential
Expanded Polystyrene Insulation
Metal insulation panels
Mineral wool
Polyethylene vapour barrier
Identified hazards*
CFC and HCFC blowing agents, HBCD flame retardants, fire-related risks
not identified
mould
-
* excluding hazards related to surface treatment (e.g. paint)
Roofing
Reuse potential
Corrugated steel
Breathable roof membrane
Bitumen roof underlay
Bituminous roofing membrane
Gutters and downspouts
Identified hazards*
not identified
-
-
-
not identified
* excluding hazards related to surface treatment (e.g. paint)
Construction materials
Reuse potential
CLT
Identified hazards*
VOCs, wood dust, mould/rot
Concrete (cast-in-place)
respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
Concrete (precast)
respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
Glulam
VOCs, wood dust
Steel beams
not identified
General timber
wood dust, mould/rot
Chemically-treated timber
creosote, chromated copper arsenate (CCA), pentachlorophenol, wood dust, mould/rot
Strength-graded timber
wood dust, mould/rot
Thermally-treated timber
wood dust, mould/rot
* excluding hazards related to surface treatment (e.g. paint)