ReUse Action
980 Northampton St, Buffalo, NY
Year Started:
2011
Building Size:
30,000 sq ft
Mission Statement:
Reclaim, Restore, Renew
Origins and Vision
ReUse Action is a hybrid reuse center that operates through a combination of nonprofit values and private enterprise strategies, sitting at the intersection of community development, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity. Originally a nonprofit called Buffalo ReUse, the organization relaunched as for-profit ReUse Action in 2011, retaining its vital mission of reclaiming building materials and offering meaningful employment. By 2022, ReUse Action had expanded to its 30,000-square-foot facility and continues to thrive.
Startup Story
Startup Funding
Pop-Ups and Early Outreach
Operations Today
ReUse Action’s operations began with an efficient approach to green demolition known as “hybrid deconstruction" in which entire homes are carefully dismantled to preserve and recover valuable materials using a combination of people and machines. The original funding was generated through deconstruction jobs with only a truck and contractor’s license.
With around 20 employees and a small, dedicated group of volunteers, ReUse Action has built a strong workforce and community presence. It generates approximately $1 million in annual sales, largely from reclaimed and surplus building materials such as insulation, kitchen cabinets, house parts, lumber, radiators, lighting, windows, doors, and furniture. Despite economic uncertainties like potential recession impacts and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has remained resilient, adapting its model and expanding its services. Unlike many reuse operations, ReUse Action offers full-service specialty deconstruction and restoration contracting. Through these services, they provide alternatives to traditional demolition, offering consulting and hands-on recovery for historic buildings and unique structures across Western New York.
Today, the focus has shifted more to building material resale, particularly reclaimed and surplus insulation, doors, and kitchen cabinets, ReUse Action's top sellers. They have taken over and absorbed other architectural salvage operations in the region, tapping into Buffalo’s rich stock of historic buildings.
Despite an unpredictable path that included multiple pivots, and an evolving business landscape, ReUse Action has emerged as a leading force in the regional reuse economy. They not only divert substantial materials from landfills but also breathe new life into old buildings, build skills, and strengthen local communities. As they continue to grow, their commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and creative reuse remains at the heart of everything they do.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
All material donations are processed through their allied nonprofit, Buffalo ReUse, which provides tax deductions and helps navigate compliance. The organization also distributes a monthly newsletter to keep community members informed and engaged. ReUse Action also maintains strong collaborative relationships with local Habitat for Humanity ReStores and other regional reuse initiatives. Their materials are in such high demand that they’ve even found strong resale markets in places like Brooklyn and Toronto.
Community Contributions
One of ReUse Action’s community contributions is The Guild @980, a creative community space that provides affordable space for artisans, makers, and small-scale entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns with its mission to support not only reuse but also creative economic development. ReUse Action is committed to ethical employment practices, paying living wages and offering support for employee insurance. Although ReUse Action operates with limited advertising, relying heavily on free publicity, social media and word-of-mouth, it hopes to improve its promotion and marketing efforts, acknowledging their importance to reuse operations.
Start with what you have
You don’t need a huge budget to begin. Buffalo ReUse started with a truck, contractor’s license, and a few deconstruction jobs.
Reclaim, Reuse, Reinvent
Think beyond resale. Offer services like deconstruction, consulting, and restoration to create multiple revenue streams.
Know the market
Understand pricing dynamics. Items sold in Buffalo may demand one price point, but resale in Brooklyn or Toronto could allow for a premium. Know where to sell what!
Adapt as needed
ReUse Action shifted from full deconstruction to high demand reclaimed items like insulation and doors that are easy to sell and generate more income.