When a home faces demolition, most people assume tons of wood, fixtures, and drywall will head straight to the landfill. But for Oliver Vynerib ’26, those materials represent a second life — and a more responsible way to build and rebuild.
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That belief led him to launch HomeCycle CT in 2023 while still a sophomore, aiming to disrupt the traditional demolition process by promoting deconstruction — the careful dismantling of structures so valuable components can be salvaged, reused, and donated. The program particularly benefits nonprofits in need of affordable building materials.
“[HomeCycle CT] is a sustainability organization that connects homeowners and builders with nonprofits to reuse and recycle building materials,” Vynerib said. “The goal is to reduce landfill waste, support local communities, and help donors receive tax benefits.”
The idea sparked when Vynerib observed how frequently perfectly good lumber, hardware, appliances, and windows get discarded during home renovations.
“I realized there was an opportunity to help both the environment and the community by connecting builders with nonprofits that could repurpose these materials,” he said.
As environmental concerns intensify across the construction industry — which globally generates nearly one-third of landfill waste — HomeCycle CT taps into growing demand for greener development practices. The organization not only diverts materials from disposal but creates measurable financial advantages.
“I wanted to make it easier for people and builders to do the right thing environmentally, not just because it’s good for the planet, but because it can also make financial sense through tax savings,” Vynerib explained.
Convincing contractors to adjust their workflow wasn’t always straightforward.
“One of the hardest parts was getting builders to trust an organization led by a student and understand that deconstruction wouldn’t slow down their projects,” Vynerib said. “I overcame that by being professional, presenting real data and showing examples of successful projects that saved time and money. Winning the Town of Westport’s Green Building Award also helped build credibility.”
And the numbers speak for themselves. HomeCycle projects at 159 Easton Road and 4 Sycamore Lane alone salvaged roughly $400,000 in materials and produced $160,000 in tax savings for donors. Altogether, the organization estimates it has diverted $2 million worth of reusable materials from landfills — creating environmental impact at a scale extraordinary for a student-led initiative.
HomeCycle CT began with no capital and no corporate backing — just a bold goal and persistence.
“Impact is made through outreaching to builders and homeowners to engage in deconstruction and donations,” Vynerib said. “I built connections with nonprofits like Second Chance and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, who handle the logistics. My main investment was time – creating presentations, meeting builders, and coordinating projects.”
Those partnerships ensure that salvaged items stay within communities — helping families, reducing construction costs for nonprofits, and extending the life cycle of materials that might otherwise be discarded.
Leading a sustainability initiative while finishing high school adds a layer of discipline many entrepreneurs don’t learn until college or after graduation.
“I’ve learned to manage my time by setting priorities and treating HomeCycle like one of my classes,” he said. “I’ll work on it during free periods or after school, and I make sure to separate time for school, business and friends.”
Vynerib says anyone can drive change if they’re willing to begin before they feel fully ready.
“Start small, but just start. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect – you’ll learn as you go,” he said. “Focus on solving a real problem and be persistent when people don’t take you seriously at first. Connections and credibility will follow if you’re consistent.”
With evidence of major environmental and financial benefits, HomeCycle CT aims to expand across Connecticut and eventually partner with larger commercial projects. Vynerib is also exploring new technology — such as digital marketplaces for reclaimed materials — to streamline donations and grow reuse networks.
As interest in sustainable construction continues to surge nationwide, HomeCycle CT demonstrates how a
Originally reported by Camilla Garfield in Inklings.
