This article is a summary of the podcast conversation 37 “When a Recycled Timber Yard is Built with Kindness with Shaun Oldfield from Coastal Recycled Building”. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

When a Recycled Timber Yard is Built with Kindness

The building and construction industry takes up a huge chunk of the total waste generated in NSW and across Australia (Ref), far more than what comes from our everyday household rubbish bins. When a building comes down, so many materials are left behind. But where do they all go?

The good news, there are great solutions for recycling in construction and in this episode, we’re delving a little deeper into one solution.

Image: Excellent condition recycled timber sleepers

I’d love you to meet Shaun Oldfield from Coastal Recycled Building on the Central Coast of NSW. After an unexpected career shift from hotel management to recycled building supplies, Shaun loves being part of a team that’s passionate about showing the value in giving building and construction materials a second life.

In our conversation, we chat about the community who uses recycled materials, how sustainable living can begin with something as simple as a personal hobby, and why there’s so much potential in looking at waste differently.

the thing I’ve learned the most is how much [timber] is reusable and how much of it is undervalued. Like, this is something that will not exist one day…you’ve got to value this precious commodity

Overview of the Conversation

Reason for Sean’s transition from hotel management to working in timber building supplies
Switching thinking about what site demolition means and how it can be maximised for reuse rather than landfill
From timber reuse comes building a community of timber lovers and re-users
Audio tour of the sustainable timber yard

Image: Noggins and small pieces of timber only suitable for use as firewood

How great small business customer service helps build a positive community through authentic connections and helpfulness
Why recycled hardwood timber (hard timber) is most sought after, as modern homes are built from structural pine (soft timber), which is not recyclable
Collaborating with similarly-goaled businesses that ultimately help the customer
Understanding the different types and gradings of salvaged timber
How to bring hope and positivity by thinking about the future

Getting people to value the value of timber is kind of like overfishing. When the fish are gone, then we can’t do anything about it.

Shaun shares two simple tips and also some advice…

✓ Stop, breathe and think about what you’re gonna do before you do it. Where could I take this apart from the tip?

✓…and be kind

✓ “We’re only a little speck in the whole scheme of things so just be mindful of how fortunate we are to be in the country we are with the resources we have. and just don’t mess it up. Because once we’ve messed it up, it’s done”.

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on Darkinjung country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in the Central Coast NSW region of New South Wales.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about doing better for our people and planet by taking a start where you live approach to living sustainably. If this episode has spurred you into action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Listen into the stories and voices of this story on Spotify podcasts and here on Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.

Apple Podcasts ↓

Spotify Podcasts ↓

When a Recycled Timber Yard is Built with Kindness on Spotify

You Tube ↓

When a Recycled Timber Yard is Built with Kindness (S5 Ep37)

Links from the Podcast Episode (S5 Ep37)

Coastal Recycled Building for recycled timber, firewood, railway sleepers, cool stuff & things to make you smile
Combined Demolition Services (Central Coast NSW) creating safe, sustainable foundations for the future
Reclaiming wharf timbers at Gosford in the pouring rain
Insta post about Nambucca burn
Insta with big piece of driftwood
Adams Garden expertise with drought resistant native garden designs, NSW coastal plants, permaculture & organic edible gardens
Luxe Exteriors qualified and certified landscape design and construction specialists
Off the Rails Byron Bay largest supplier of reclaimed timber on the east coast of Australia
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Dealing with Household Asbestos