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deconstruction trainings offered free from the ReUse Institute
DECONSTRUCTION TRAININGS
Cutting down on landfill waste.

Deconstruction Trainings

The Sustainability Department is offering free deconstruction trainings from GreenLynx.  

Deconstruction, also referred to as salvage, is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional building demolition. Deconstruction is the systematic disassembly of a building in order to recover the maximum economic and environmental value of materials through reuse and recycling.

Donate a House to the Training

Consider deconstruction over demolition! The Sustainability Department is offering to deconstruct your house and will pay for the training, meaning you will not have to pay for the labor to deconstruct. In addition, you may also receive a tax-deductible donation for the materials salvaged from your project. For more information and to apply, please view the Deconstruction Application (PDF).

Benefits of Deconstruction and Reuse Workshop

This will be a two-hour workshop for the general public, homeowners, designers, contractors, architects, and anyone interested in learning how to reuse building materials!  You will learn about the deconstruction process, tax deductions, and how to donate and reuse building materials.

Date: Tuesday, April 28
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Register here.

Deconstruction Training Course

Date: TBD

If you would like to be put on a list to be notified of the next training, please email sustainability@smcgov.org.

Past Trainings

Watch this video about past Master Deconstruction trainings!

The Latest News & Events

Compost Workshop
May
12
Compost Workshop

Learn how easy and fun it is to recycle your fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and plant cuttings into compost in these free workshops! These workshops teach composting options suitable for those with or without a backyard. Apartment dwellers welcome! Compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden soil, helps retain moisture, which saves water, prevents erosion, loosens clay and compacted soils for better drainage, and suppresses weeds. It is rewarding to know you are turning what some consider waste into precious organic material for your garden.

Discounts and rebates for backyard compost and worm compost bins will be distributed to San Mateo County residents!

COMPOST WORKSHOP

Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Atherton
Register here.

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