What happens to an old granite countertop once it is replaced with a new one? What happens to the stone left behind after a fabricator finishes a countertop? A stone as beautiful as granite may end up in a landfill, but it’s actually finding a new life due, in part, to a push toward environmentally friendly home design. Manufacturers and installers are forming stronger relationships with recyclers, and more homeowners are choosing to recycle their granite instead of throwing it away.
Deciding to Recycle Granite
As one of nature’s hardest stones, granite is made to stand the test of time. Homeowners often decide to purchase new granite countertops or other stone features when redesigning or renovating living spaces. Therefore, most of the granite is in decent condition before being replaced. Stone fabricators and installers often have relationships with recyclers and will arrange to have an old countertop removed when they install a new one. Some cities have recycling centers that will collect materials like granite and additional items for home improvement. Charities that focus on home improvement and renovation will accept countertop donations. In the unlikely event that a manufacturer cannot provide details, information on recycling programs is available online.
Breathing new life into old stone
Although rare, some companies will refinish stone countertops and resell them at a reduced cost. This gives homeowners the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of granite, even if they have limited budgets. Homeowners will most likely have to refinish countertops purchased from charity shops. Restoration requires careful surface sanding, sealing and polishing before it is ready for use.
Manufacturers will also have leftovers after making countertops with natural stone slabs. Across the country, granite recyclers are taking these unwanted pieces and transforming them into a wide variety of features. One of the most popular “reuses” for granite is stone pavers. Since stones have variations in color, striations, and grain, recycled pavers can enhance the appearance of driveways and sidewalks. Recycled granite is also made into tiles for outdoor patios, fountains, and fire pits.
Of course, just because granite is recycled doesn’t mean it’s only useful for outdoor spaces. In fact, granite left over from countertop manufacturing can end up as mosaic tile for flooring and backsplash designs. Designers can use chipped recycled stones as decorative cladding elements for wall applications, fireplace surrounds, and even table tops and decorative furniture.
Along with increases in home buying and selling, there is a renewed interest in remodeling and renovation to increase home values and beautify living spaces. Cities are adopting plans and programs that give their citizens the opportunity to go green while reducing the amount of materials designated for landfills. Homeowners looking for new granite countertops have options to not only recycle their old countertops, but also recycle leftover stone after installation. Instead of becoming trash, granite is being renovated into a treasure for the next generation of living spaces.
