Connecticut Nonprofit Thrives as Building Materials Fly Off Shelves
The ReCONNstruction Center, a nonprofit building materials reuse store in New Britain, Connecticut, has experienced a significant resurgence in business after facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization, which began in 2003, is dedicated to preventing building materials from ending up in landfills, thereby promoting sustainability and providing affordable options for low-income customers.
The center offers a variety of repurposed building materials for sale, including cabinets, appliances, paint, doors, windows, lighting fixtures, and bathroom vanities. Many of these items are in excellent condition, with some appearing nearly new but available at a fraction of traditional retail prices. According to Charles Paonessa, president of the Board of Directors, the store plays a vital role in supporting the community. He noted, “I love it when we get a lady that comes in and says I want a new sink for my kid but can’t afford a new one. We can give her a beautiful new sink for her bathroom for $25.”
During the pandemic, The ReCONNstruction Center faced financial difficulties, which led to the loss of paid staff and a reduction in operating hours. Despite these setbacks, the nonprofit has reported a revival in interest and sales in recent months. “We have a handful of really passionate volunteers here,” Paonessa said. “But ideally, we would like to get back to having a paid staff here. That’s the goal for the future.”
Turning Waste into Opportunity
Construction and demolition debris account for a significant portion of waste generated globally, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reporting that the U.S. produced over 600 million tons of such waste in 2018. Of this total, approximately 75% was disposed of in landfills. Paonessa emphasized the importance of reuse by stating, “Construction waste makes up between 30% to 40% of municipal solid waste. It makes total sense to recycle building materials.”
The ReCONNstruction Center stands out as Connecticut’s sole reuse store focused on construction materials, differentiating itself from other organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which primarily handles houseware items. Donors can receive tax deductions based on the market value of their contributions, which have exceeded $200,000 in materials, providing significant tax relief for many individuals.
The nonprofit is also part of a pilot program in Mansfield aimed at reducing building waste. This initiative allows residents to drop off reusable construction materials at a designated container at the town’s transfer station. Paonessa views this collaboration as a major boost for the center, as it streamlines the collection process. “The state is finally realizing how important reuse is,” he said, noting that plans are in place to expand this model statewide.
Community Impact and Future Goals
As construction costs continue to escalate due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased labor expenses, more individuals are seeking affordable building materials. Paonessa reported an influx of customers traveling from across the state, as well as from neighboring regions. “We get people coming in from all over the state,” he noted, mentioning that the closure of a similar reuse store in Springfield has contributed to this increased traffic.
Every dollar spent at The ReCONNstruction Center is estimated to save one pound of material from entering a landfill, highlighting the dual benefit of supporting community members while promoting environmental responsibility. The center also serves as a collection point for paint through its participation in the PaintCare recycling program, providing another avenue for resource conservation.
Looking ahead, The ReCONNstruction Center is actively seeking volunteers to support its operations, as it aims to restore its staff and expand its outreach. “We are looking for several different types of volunteers to help us run the nonprofit,” Paonessa said, emphasizing the need for assistance in various roles, including customer service and marketing.
The center operates on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00. For those interested in learning more about The ReCONNstruction Center or making a donation, additional information is available at their website, reconnstructioncenter.org.
As the center continues to grow and adapt, it remains committed to its mission of reducing waste and providing affordable building materials to the community. The positive trends observed in recent months signal a promising future for this vital nonprofit.
