Whether you’re trying to improve the curb appeal, energy efficiency, or modernize your home, you still have one problem – the old windows:

What do you do with your old ones?

• Should you throw them away?
• Are there resources for recycling?
• Can you re-purpose them in a do-it-yourself or DIY project?

If you are working with a professional installation company they should remove and recycle the windows for you so make sure to ask if that’s part of the contract. Otherwise, read on for two ways to donate, one to dispose of old windows, and four DIY ideas you can use to re-purpose them. These seven expert tips on recycling windows will make sure that your materials don’t go to waste.

1. Donate: Habitat For Humanity

Habitat For Humanity is an organization that pairs families in need of housing and volunteers to build homes throughout the world.

They have over 500 ReStores throughout the United States where building materials, including windows that are free of lead paint, can be donated.

ReStores sell donated furniture, building materials, and more to the public for less than retail prices. Proceeds from ReStores are then used to fund the home building projects locally and worldwide.

It’s always a good idea to check if your local ReStore is accepting windows before attempting to donate.

Pro Tip: Next time you begin a home improvement project, try shopping at your nearest ReStore before a chain hardware store. You’ll definitely save some money and can help contribute to a wonderful cause.

2. Donate: Building Materials Reuse Centers

The BMRC (Building Materials Reuse Centers) is a non-profit organization that is focusing on finding sustainable building resources and reducing waste.

Their mission statement is to:

• Reduce consumption of new resources
• Minimize pollution and landfill waste
• Sustain the environment and communities through resource preservation

They have partners and resources throughout the United States where materials can be donated.

Simply search for your state in their business directory to find the contact information for the businesses and organizations nearby that are participating members of the BMRC.

Again, if your windows are free of lead paint, consider using a BMRC associate facility or business near you to donate your old windows. Our planet will thank you for it.

3. Dispose: Solid Waste Facilities

Before you donate windows there’s something you need to know! If your home was built prior to 1978 it’s likely that any paint on the items contains lead.

Lead paint is the leading cause of lead poisoning deaths in children.

Many old windows are framed with wood that was painted with lead paint.

The contractor who you hire to replace your windows is required to provide each of their clients with a brochure on dealing with lead paint appropriately.

Any items containing or that had contact with lead paint should be disposed of at your local solid waste facility as a household hazardous waste.

Pro Tip: Lead poisoning is completely lethal. In this case, if you’re not sure if your old windows contain lead paint, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

4. DIY: Message Board From Old Windows

Skill level: Beginner

This 2-in-1 DIY will help you stay organized and provide a way to recycle an old window.

Simply replace the glass in the window frame with a chalkboard, cork board, sheet metal, or a combination of each.

Here are a few tips for each type:

• If you can’t find a chalkboard you can use chalkboard paint on a piece of hardwood cut to size.
• You can purchase cork board at a local hardware store. Once it’s cut to size inside the frame you can use decorative pins to fasten notes, reminders, and invitations to your new message board.
• Sheet metal can also be purchased and cut at a local hardware store. Simply attach it to the inside of the window frame and use magnets to put up pictures or lists.

5. DIY: Create A Room Divider

Skill level: Intermediate

Using S-hooks, eye-hooks, and/or chains to connect old windows together to create a room divider.

For a more uniform look, paint the window frames one color prior to connecting them. But if you want a more antique look, you can leave them in their original state.

Make sure to fasten it securely to a beam or stud in your ceiling and enjoy an industrial and eclectic design feature that can create additional living spaces within your home.

Pro Tip: for added privacy, you can use a spray paint that simply frosts glass. This will allow light to pass through your room divider without 100% visibility.

6. DIY: Make A Headboard

Skill level: Beginner

The easiest and fastest way to install a recycled headboard is by fastening the window frames directly to the wall behind where the bed usually sits.

You can use one large window for smaller beds or create a gallery style headboard by grouping several window frames together.

It’s probably a good idea to remove the glass from the old windows especially if the headboard is intended for a child’s bed.

Make it your own! Window frames can be left empty or for some added personality you can paint or stretch decorative fabric inside the frames.

7. DIY: Build A Greenhouse

Skill level: Advanced

This DIY requires a little more time, skill, and effort but the results are astounding. There are several methods on how to assemble a greenhouse from old windows, but we’ve linked a few great examples here.

The concept involves painting collected window frames one color, fastening them to create the walls and roof of the greenhouse, and then securing them to a simple foundation within your yard space.

Depending on your interest and skill level, functioning windows and doors can be installed as well as fans and other features.

One of the best parts of this DIY project is that it can be adapted perfectly to you according to your available space, the kinds of plants you grow, and your climate.

As with the other projects, make it your own!

Go and Do

And now that you’ve figured out what to do with your old windows, it’s time to look for your upgrade.

Contact your San Diego/ Orange County experts and shop from a wide selection of new windows here!

We can’t wait to help.