Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Source for Reclaimed Building Materials in Bellingham
Founded in 1993, The RE Store has been a cornerstone of sustainable community development in Whatcom County. Our organization rescues and repurposes building materials, offering cost-effective solutions for homeowners, contractors, and businesses while diverting waste from landfills. Through our licensed salvage services, we recover up to 90% of reusable materials from structures slated for demolition, providing tax benefits and store discounts to donors. Our mission extends beyond environmental impactwe empower displaced workers through paid job training programs, teaching skills in retail, deconstruction, and manufacturing waste diversion.As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we reinvest all proceeds into community initiatives, including free manufacturing waste assessments that help local businesses reduce disposal costs and warehouse space usage. With over 40 years of combined experience in sustainable deconstruction, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to social equity, serving as a model for circular economies nationwide.
Services
Reclaimed Building Materials
Salvage Services
Job Training Programs
Waste Diversion
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer tax-deductible donation receipts for material contributions
- Our licensed crew salvages 90% of reusable building materials
- We provide paid job training for 1,155+ community members since 2013
- Free manufacturing waste diversion assessments available
- Store discounts available for donated item contributors
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Services
Salvage Services
Our licensed salvage team offers sustainable alternatives to traditional demolition. We carefully dismantle structures to recover up to 90% of reusable materials, providing environmental benefits and cost savings. Clients receive tax deductions for material donations while supporting job training programs. This service helps homeowners, contractors, and manufacturers reduce landfill waste while maintaining professional standards.
Reclaimed Materials
We sell high-quality, second-hand building materials at 50% below market value. Our inventory includes doors, lumber, cabinets, flooring, and unique architectural salvage items. Materials are carefully inspected for quality and safety. Purchases directly fund our community programs while offering affordable solutions for DIYers, contractors, and homeowners seeking distinctive building components.
Job Training
Our paid training program equips community members with practical skills in retail, deconstruction, and manufacturing. Participants receive personalized coaching, safety training, and resume assistance. The program serves diverse groups including veterans, former inmates, and students. Over 1,155 individuals have gained employment skills since 2013 through this community-focused initiative.
Waste Diversion
We provide free waste assessments and pickup services for local manufacturers. This program helps businesses reduce disposal costs while diverting usable materials from landfills. Participating companies receive tax deductions for material donations. Our services include identifying reusable byproducts, establishing pickup schedules, and implementing sustainable waste management practices tailored to manufacturing operations.
Community Programs
We offer multiple ways for community members to engage with our mission. Volunteer roles include retail support, material organization, and special event assistance. Group volunteering and department adoption programs are available. These initiatives strengthen community bonds while supporting our environmental and social impact goals through hands-on participation.
People
Blake Clarkson
Salvage Services Manager
With over 40 years combined experience in sustainable deconstruction, Blake leads our professional salvage team. He manages project assessments, client consultations, and safe material recovery operations while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Questions
What types of materials do you accept for donation?
We accept doors, lumber, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting, tools, and other building materials. View our complete accept/don't accept lists for specific details.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we provide delivery services with three pricing zones: $120 for Zone 1, $200 for Zone 2, and $300 for Zone 3.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your material donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
What job training opportunities are available?
We offer paid training in retail, salvage operations, administrative work, and manufacturing waste diversion through our Community Jobs Training Program.
How can manufacturers participate in waste diversion?
We provide free waste assessments and pickup services for manufacturing byproducts. Contact our team to schedule an evaluation and establish a pickup schedule.
What are your store hours?
Our retail store operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with donations accepted until 5:00 PM daily.
Reviews (5)
Ron W.
Jun 06, 2021
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Went in here today to see if things may have improved however they've continued to deteriorate. Store is dirty and disorganized and what they have is way overpriced.
Beaware T.
Mar 19, 2021
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I asked why a 11x 3' piece of wood that's poorly painted was $25. Because it's old growth. Wow. You get wood donated for free and charge WAY TO MUCH. And the guy in the tie die hoody was more than rude. I'm never going to donate to them ever again. I'd rather throw stuff away then give to this business. I've never been talked to like that by anyone who works in retail. Guy needs to get a job he likes maybe. 9 years of my business and I'm done.
Harley M.
Jul 07, 2020
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This used to be a great store to come find great buys when we ere building a cabin and needed plumbing and electrical. Not so much anymore, just tried to donate 3 bathroom faucets in good shape that are MOEN guaranteed for life for the entire unit and or parts and there were no visible defects and the girl said "no these are too old" Too old? WTH? that's what you're supposed to be doing helping recycle stuff for another life. No more for me, waste of gas driving it there. Good by re-store.
Jan B.
Oct 09, 2019
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You never know what you might find here in the way of recycled items. I am always amazed at the vast selection of everything from tools, lumber, furniture, lamps, blinds.plus all parts and accessories to go with all of these. Today I purchased a kitchen cabinet door which I will turn into a piece of wall art. Seems like I always manage to find an item that sparks my imagination and creative urges!
Vanessa V.
Jul 29, 2019
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I bought an expensive table, but I thought it was worth it because it was a nice table. On the way out I was struggling a lot to carry it and ended up dropping it in the parking lot and totally scratching it. Now I've paid all this money for this totally destroyed table. AFTER this happened someone who works there comes up and told me that they COULD have helped me carry it out. WTF? I'm struggling to carry this thing and nobody tells me that it's possible to get help carry it out until after I've already destroyed the thing I spent so much money on. There are other things there that I would have bought if I had known I didn't have to to carry them myself. Why don't they have a sign or something. So stupid!
