Material Assessment & Salvage Fundamentals

Learn to evaluate discarded materials for reuse potential and safety considerations. Understand what makes materials suitable for upcycling vs disposal, including safety concerns around electronics, chemicals, and structural integrity. Practice identifying valuable components in waste streams - metals, plastics, textiles, glass, and electronic components. Develop skills in safe disassembly and material extraction, understanding when professional disposal is necessary. Learn basic material properties and how different materials can be safely combined in new projects.