Breaking it Down:

A Comprehensive Guide to Building Deconstruction and Material Reuse Policy

Breaking it Down: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Deconstruction and Material Reuse Policy offers a thorough roadmap for leading the transformation of solid waste into a circular economy through innovative local policies. Authored by the founder of the Reclamation Administration database, and consultant to the Portland, Oregon Building Deconstruction Ordinance, this book draws on over a decade of experience in pioneering the building deconstruction and material reuse movement.

Each chapter is enriched with personal reflections, policy process insights, and a “The Shorthand” section, which provides concise guidance and key points for quick reference. This practical approach ensures that readers can easily navigate the complexities of building deconstruction policy and drive impactful change in their communities.

 Breaking it Down is an essential resource for policymakers, activists, industry professionals, and anyone committed to advancing sustainable practices through building deconstruction and material reuse. By leveraging the strategies and insights shared in this guide, readers can lead their communities toward a more sustainable, resilient future.

Current Projects

Currently Writng:

Building it Up: Crafting Circular Economies through Reclaimed Materials by Sara Badiali

 What if waste wasn’t wasted? What if discarded materials could fuel creativity, drive local economies, and transform communities?

Building It Up is a revolutionary guide to turning trash into treasure—both literally and economically. From artists and designers to engineers and entrepreneurs, this book showcases the trailblazers reclaiming materials to craft products, generate revenue, and create lasting social impact.

Following the framework established in Breaking It Down, this new volume shifts the focus to action, offering real-world examples of reuse economies in motion. Through case studies ranging from grassroots art collectives to large-scale markets and reuse festivals, Building It Up provides a roadmap for individuals and communities ready to rethink waste. Learn how small-scale efforts like Crackedpots evolved into thriving marketplaces, how European Christmas markets sustain entire local economies, and how makerspaces empower students and professionals to reshape the future of reuse.

This book isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about reclaiming our economic power. Traditional waste disposal is failing us, and government action is too slow. The answer lies in creativity, entrepreneurship, and grassroots change.

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • How to create revenue from waste materials

  • Strategies for building community-based reuse businesses

  • Insights into successful reuse models across industries

  • The economic power of reclaiming, repurposing, and reinventing

  • The role of AI in predicting and optimizing material reuse

Whether you're an artist, a builder, a designer, or a changemaker looking for inspiration, Building It Up will give you the tools to turn discarded materials into opportunity. Because the future isn’t in the landfill—it’s in your hands.

Resources

This infographic is a collaboration with artist Bruce Worden, and is based on Sara Badiali’s article Deconstruction vs. Demolition: Portland, Oregon’s Potential for Groundbreaking Health and Safety Studies in Building Demolition.

It is for sale for $55 please use the contact form to inquire.


Articles

Research & Report on: Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Building Materials Sara Badiali Prepared for: King County, Washington February 2023

Deconstruction vs. Demolition: Portland, Oregon’s Potential for Groundbreaking Health and Safety Studies in Building Demolition Reclamation Administration: July 22, 2016

Reuse Centers Ways to Optomize Partnerships Reclamation Administration 2015

Drowning in Demolition Building Material Reuse Association: February 2014 Newsletter

Deconstruction is Policy Already Written Building Material Reuse Association: March 2014 Newsletter.

The Reclamation Administration

The Reclamation Administration Database is now archived. Please use the contact form for any inquiries.

In 2011, I founded the Reclamation Administration database, exclusively dedicated to building deconstruction and material reuse. For thirteen years, this resource was freely accessible to the public, serving thousands of individuals and organizations. During this time, I curated over four thousand news posts, research products, resource sheets, authored articles, and provided detailed reports and data. The Reclamation Administration played a pivotal role in advancing the building deconstruction and material reuse movement. It was utilized by numerous organizations, students, municipalities, and businesses to gain insights, write theses, formulate policies, and significantly reduce waste.

As one of the earliest resources on building deconstruction and material reuse, the Reclamation Administration has now transitioned to a new phase. In line with this evolution, I have authored the first comprehensive book on deconstruction policy, titled Breaking it Down: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Deconstruction and Material Reuse Policy. This book encapsulates my work with the Reclamation Administration and my advisory role in Portland, Oregon’s Building Deconstruction Ordinance.

Leveraging my extensive experience and expertise, I now offer consulting services to support initiatives focused on building deconstruction and material reuse. I am dedicated to helping others use these practices to foster positive environmental change.

Press