Concerned by the volume of waste generated by construction and renovation—often from demolishing usable materials or from surplus supplies—the founders of DiggersList created a free online marketplace to make it simple for people to exchange home improvement supplies and tools.
DiggersList functions like a focused classified ads platform for building and renovation needs. Currently serving 31 cities, the company plans to expand to 242 cities across the country. The site organizes offerings into more than 70 specific categories, making it easy to search for drywall, lumber, tile, appliances, and other materials needed for DIY projects. It also lists local tradespeople—plumbers, electricians, and other professionals—for jobs that require licensed help.
Each year, construction and demolition debris contributes more than 160 million tons to landfills, and roughly 44 percent of that comes from home renovation projects. By facilitating the reuse of materials and the redistribution of surplus supplies, DiggersList helps reduce waste while keeping useful items in circulation to support home improvement efforts nationwide.
DiggersList has taken additional steps to support nonprofit work through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Inventory donated by contractors, suppliers, and homeowners is listed on the site, allowing ReStores to reach more potential buyers and generate funds that go back into Habitat for Humanity’s home-building and community programs.
A quick look at the Los Angeles listings reveals a relatively clean, focused set of offerings—fewer irrelevant posts than you might encounter on general classifieds sites—though selection can vary by city.
Is your city covered by DiggersList? What’s your experience with buying or donating building materials online?