While gutter systems are durable, you’ll need to replace them eventually. For that reason, you may be wondering, are gutters recyclable?
The short answer is yes. Gutters are made of recyclable materials, such as aluminum, galvanized steel, and vinyl.
But when should you consider replacing or recycling them? How about how to recycle your gutters?
In this article, we’ve gathered all the information you need to know about gutters. Continue reading to find out more!
When to Consider Replacing or Recycling Your Gutters
Gutters are long-lasting, especially with good maintenance. For example, aluminum and galvanized steel gutters can survive almost two decades.
However, some common issues are indicative of whether your gutters need replacement and recycling or not.
These issues include the following:
1 – Rust
Aluminum doesn’t rust, but as time passes, galvanized steel gutters corrode.
To stop additional harm, consider replacing them if you see an orange or brown color that signals oxidation and rust.
That said, rusty gutters can still be recycled, but it depends on the severity of the rust. If rust is not too severe, recycling is still an option.
2 – Water Accumulating Near the Spouts
The purpose of spouts is to direct water away from your foundation.
Once you notice that large amounts of water are accumulating near the spouts, that means they’re not functioning properly.
A good short-term solution is to use downspout extensions, but it’s better to replace the gutters entirely.
3 – Cracks
Cold weather can aggravate cracking in the gutters. Because of that, you’ll need to inspect them for holes or splits that may hinder water from flowing.
If you find fractures on the gutters, this means you need to replace them.
How to Recycle Gutters?
To recycle gutters, the first thing you’ll need to do is contact the nearest recycling business that agrees to take the material your gutter is made of.
After that, you’ll have to disassemble your gutters as instructed by the recycler. After scheduling a pick-up, help your assistant load them onto a loading truck.
Aluminum Gutters Recycling
By eliminating waste and preserving natural resources, recycling aluminum gutters is a great way to protect the environment.
You can use any of the following options to recycle your aluminum gutters.
Contact Your Municipal Recycling Company
On the day of recycling pick-up, you can ask your municipal recycling company to take your aluminum gutters.
Aluminum recycling covers the cost of its collection, which is why most municipal recycling companies are happy to take them.
Contact a Local Scrapyard
An alternative to municipal recycling companies is local scrapyards. Many local scrapyards pay for scrap metal (including aluminum gutters) in accordance with current market value.
So, you can get paid for the simple act of properly disposing of your aluminum gutters!
Alternatively, you may want to donate your aluminum gutters to charity organizations.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Gutters Recycling
PVC is a very recyclable material, as it can undergo 8 recycling procedures, depending on the use.
Moreover, products made of recycled PVC are just as robust as the original ones they were recycled from.
That is because PVC molecules’ chain length is not remarkably reduced during the recycling process.
That said, there are two main methods of recycling PVC, mechanical recycling and feedstock recycling.
Other Ways to Utilize Gutters If You Can’t Recycle Them
There are still a couple of things you can do with your gutters if you can’t find a local recycler who’ll take them.
For instance, if they’re not rusty or severely damaged, you can use the gutters as any of the following:
- Planters
- Storage shelves
- Shoe rack
- Garden tool rack
- Art tool holder
Final Thoughts
To conclude, gutter systems are essential to protect your home from costly repairs. They’re long-lasting, however, at a certain point, you’ll need to replace them.
Given proper maintenance, aluminum and galvanized steel can last up to two decades. That said, the best thing you can do when it’s time to get rid of them is to recycle them.
To do that, contact a local recycling center, and make sure they recycle the material your gutters are made of.
Additionally, you can still use your gutters if you can’t recycle them for any reason. For instance, you can use them as planters, storage shelves, or shoe racks.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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