Programs

Deconstruction Grants

Deconstruction is the process of taking apart a building so that building materials can be reused. Many building materials – including cabinets, light fixtures, bricks, doors, plumbing fixtures, windows and much more – can be reused instead of being sent to a landfill.

Funding available

Residential properties in Ramsey and Washington counties, including multi-unit structures with a maximum of four units, can receive up to $5,000 ($2 per square foot) for projects that use deconstruction/salvage techniques.

Commercial properties in Ramsey and Washington counties, including multi-unit residential properties with more than four units, can receive up to $10,000 ($2 per square foot) for projects that use deconstruction/salvage techniques.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Property owners or developers may apply.
  2. Residential or commercial properties located within Ramsey and Washington counties are eligible to apply. 
  3. Structures or area of renovation must be over 500 square feet and built prior to 1970. Accessory structures, such as garages, decks and sheds, are not included in the square footage.
  4. Grants available to support projects including renovation, full structure deconstruction or full structure moves.
  1. Minimum of five material types from category A (detailed below) must be recovered.
  2. Minimum of 1,000 pounds of material from category B (detailed below) must be deconstructed from residential properties for reuse. Minimum of 2,000 pounds of material from category B must be deconstructed from commercial properties for reuse.
  3. For residential properties, all non-hazardous non-reusable building material generated from the project must reach a minimum of 50% recycling rate by weight either by using a licensed construction and demolition waste recycling processing facility that routinely achieves a minimum 50% recycling rate (i.e. Atomic Recycling and Dem-Con) or source separating materials that are recyclable from the job site and delivering directly to end markets. For commercial properties, at a minimum concrete and metal are required to be recycled from the project.
  4. Grant applicants must verify viable reuse options for materials by confirming that salvage retail organizations will accept their material.
  5. An asbestos survey of all suspect materials within the proposed project footprint by a Minnesota Department House (MDH)-certified asbestos inspector is required. Any confirmed asbestos-containing materials to be disturbed within the project footprint must be abated by an MDH-licensed asbestos contractor prior to beginning salvage. Homeowners performing deconstruction work themselves are required to contact their county to discuss best management practices for asbestos abatement.
  6. Deconstruction must take place after the agreement to issue grant funds is established. Grant funding cannot be used for deconstruction work that has already been completed.
Reuse and Disposal Criteria

Categories of material types that are acceptable for deconstruction include:

Category A includes brick or stone blocks, cabinets, casing around doors and windows, light fixtures, mantels, molding, plumbing fixtures, solid wood doors, stair treads and railings, stone details, radiators, wood-framed windows and shutter or siding.

Category B includes wood flooring, dimensional lumber and ceiling and floor joists.

Apply for Deconstruction Grant
  1. Applicant submits application.
  2. If not included in original application, county staff will request a copy of the asbestos survey, confirmation asbestos abatement has been completed and documentation to verify viable reuse options for materials.
  3. A site visit will be conducted by county staff to assess eligibility.
  4. After requested documentation is received and site visit is completed, county staff will inform applicant of eligibility status.
  5. If eligibility is confirmed, county staff will issue a preliminary contract.
  6. Applicant completes deconstruction project. 
  7. Applicant submits itemized receipts from reuse retailers documenting items were accepted for reuse. 
  8. Applicant submits documentation showing non-reusable materials met the minimum recycling rate by weight and any hazardous materials were properly managed.  
  9. County staff verifies documentation.
  10. If documentation is confirmed, grantee is issued funds.
  • All proposed projects must meet all city, county, state, regional and national zoning, building and fire codes.
  • Before proposed projects can begin, formal approval from Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) must be received.
  • R&E reserves the right to adjust program guidelines and requirements at any time.
  • R&E reserves the right to accept or reject any applications and/or request additional information as deemed necessary.
  • R&E reserves the right to limit the amount of funding or resources provided to any one participating entity.

Program flier (PDF)

Not in Ramsey or Washington County? Check out Hennepin County’s deconstruction grant opportunity.

Learn more about building materials reuse and salvage.

Contact Us:
Email – programs@recyclingandenergy.org