The reuse of building materials, including cabinets, plumbing fixtures, bricks, and lumber, is an important way residents can reduce their waste. Extracting building materials requires a careful, planned process commonly called deconstruction. Through deconstruction, reusable building materials can be salvaged and redistributed. 

Acknowledging the higher cost of deconstructing buildings and salvaging building materials, Carver County is committed to helping property owners take the extra step to keep valuable, reusable materials out of the landfill. 

The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible property owners located within Carver County planning building material reuse projects. Funds may be used to address the higher costs associated with deconstruction the installation of used materials, or structural moves. 

 Visit the grant webpage here, for more information.

Fix-it Clinics 

Since 2022 Carver County Environmental Services has partnered with local Non-profit A Better Society to host Fix-it Clinics. During these events, volunteers help attendees fix a variety of items including electronics, household appliances, bicycles, clothing, and small engines. Fix-It Clinics teach valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills.

Events like these serve as a great opportunity not only to get items fixed and kept out of the landfill, but also foster community and discussion about waste reduction and the “throw-away” mentality. If you have something around your house that’s broken, odds are our volunteers can help you fix it. 

Participants get an opportunity to sit down with a volunteer fixer to receive free guided assistance and work together toward a repair. If an item cannot not be fixed, volunteers will try their best to diagnose the problem and provide the resident with part numbers, other repair options or recycling and disposal alternatives.

When you sign up to attend the fix-it clinic you will be asked what you would like to have fixed. If your item is not repairable by the volunteers in attendance, someone will be in contact with you prior to the clinic. Participants are limited to a maximum of three items.

Visit A Better Society's webpage to register for the next event!

Is the storage space in your home overflowing? Many of us wish our basement or garage was less cluttered, more spacious, and more efficient. But when it’s time for a new project, sport, or read, we tend to run out and buy tools, sports equipment, and books when we could borrow or share instead. Renting or borrowing is a great alternative to buying expensive household tools used infrequently, a good idea when trying a new sport, and a great resource for books, movies and other media.

By borrowing and sharing instead of buying, you’ll spend less money, keep your home organized, and simplify your life. Before buying new consider:

• Borrowing or sharing tools with neighbors including ladders, air compressors and pressure washers.
• Asking friends or trying a secondhand store for used sports equipment.
• When hosting a party, ask guests to bring tables and chairs (even dishes and glasses), or rent from a party rental shop.
• Using your local library for books, movies and more! For more information, visit the Carver County Library.

Lending Libraries

Lending libraries are popping up throughout North America, offering members no-cost or low-cost access to home and garden tools, kitchen tools, books, toys and games, sewing equipment, and other material goods that, for a variety of reasons, may not be practical for a household to buy and maintain.

SouthWest Metro Lending Library - Chaska

Minnesota Tool Lending Library - St. Paul & Minneapolis