Rethinking Vinyl Siding Waste in New York

Vinyl siding is technically recyclable, but in New York State the practical means to recycle it are almost nonexistent. Most construction and demolition facilities treat removed siding as mixed debris, not as a recoverable material. Once it enters the waste stream, it is typically consolidated and sent to disposal, not sorted for reuse or recycling. With no statewide PVC collection network and no local infrastructure designed to process it, the majority of siding removed in our region ends up in landfills.

Industry‑led recycling initiatives exist in other parts of the country, but they are limited to a small number of states and do not currently operate in New York.

Our Deconstruction‑First Philosophy

Because recycling access is so limited, we approach every siding removal with a deconstruction mindset rather than a demolition one. Instead of tearing materials down and discarding them, we carefully remove, inspect, and sort each piece. Any siding that remains structurally sound and free of contamination is salvaged for reuse.

This process allows us to:

  • Divert usable material away from local landfills

  • Extend the life cycle of a long‑lasting plastic

  • Retain value within our community rather than sending it to waste

  • Build a foundation for new, sustainable product development

Every board we reclaim represents one more piece of plastic kept out of the waste stream and one more opportunity to create something meaningful from what would otherwise be discarded.

Upcycled Exterior Projects in Development

We are actively developing a line of exterior products made entirely from reclaimed siding. These pieces are in the prototype stage, helping us refine construction methods, test durability, and create sustainable blueprints for future production.

Because these projects rely on salvaged materials, color and texture availability depend entirely on what we’ve recovered through deconstruction. Inventory remains limited while we continue to experiment and improve.

Current R&D projects include:

  • Window boxes made from reclaimed siding

  • Package drop boxes

  • Mailbox surrounds

  • A‑frame landscape barriers

  • Trash and recycling bin enclosures

Our goal is to create durable, functional products that extend the life of materials already part of our community, pieces that reduce waste, conserve resources, and reflect a more sustainable approach to exterior design.

 

Terrazzo‑Style Encapsulation Using Bio‑Resin

Alongside our structural upcycling work, we are developing a second pathway for waste diversion: terrazzo‑style casting using recycled vinyl siding chips suspended in eco‑friendly, plant‑based resin.

Traditional terrazzo uses marble, stone, or glass chips embedded in a cement binder. We’re reimagining this centuries‑old technique through an environmental lens by transforming post‑consumer siding into a decorative aggregate.

This approach allows us to:

  • Repurpose small, irregular siding fragments that cannot be reused structurally

  • Create lightweight, weather‑resistant décor using bio‑resin instead of cement

  • Showcase regional character through visible embedded chips

  • Develop chemically safe, environmentally conscious encapsulations for long‑term outdoor use

These terrazzo‑style prototypes help us explore new ways to keep vinyl out of landfills while creating products that are beautiful, functional, and unmistakably local.

Images are proof of concept and are not indicative of final product at this time. 

Turning Old Siding Into New Habitat

 Cedar has long been valued for exterior construction because it’s naturally rot‑resistant, lightweight, and aromatic. When homes are resided, these boards are often removed long before their useful life is over. Instead of sending them to the landfill, we’re giving this material a second purpose through a focused reclamation effort: crafting cedar bat houses.

🦇 Why Bat Houses Matter

Bats are one of the most effective natural forms of pest control. A single bat can consume thousands of insects in a single night, dramatically reducing populations of mosquitoes and other pest bugs. Healthy bat populations help limit the need for chemical pesticides, supporting cleaner air, safer soil, and more balanced ecosystems.

By repurposing reclaimed cedar into bat houses, we’re contributing to:

  • Local biodiversity, by providing safe roosting spaces
  • Natural pest management, reducing reliance on sprayed pesticides
  • Material conservation, keeping high‑quality wood in use rather than in waste streams.

A Purposeful Second Life for Cedar

Every reclaimed board carries its own history of weathering, grain, and color. When transformed into bat houses, that character becomes part of a new story, one rooted in conservation and thoughtful reuse. This approach allows us to honor the durability of cedar while supporting wildlife that plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Our reclaimed cedar bat houses represent another step we are taking in a broader commitment to sustainable material reuse. They’re functional, environmentally meaningful, and built from resources already present in our community.

Stay Connected & Support the Mission

We’re working hard to build a local circular system, one that keeps valuable materials out of landfills and turns them into products our community can be proud of. If you believe in thoughtful reuse, ecological design, and regional sustainability, we invite you to follow our journey.

Keep an eye on this space as we continue developing new prototypes and refining our methods. Follow us on social media for updates, behind‑the‑scenes progress, and product previews. Like, share, and spread the word to help grow awareness around sustainable building practices. Support our mission by choosing reclaimed, reimagined, and regionally made goods.

Thanks for being part of the movement.