Salvaging

Salvaging is the process of recovering usable materials, objects, or vessels that have been discarded, damaged, or are no longer in use, with the aim of reuse, recycling, or preservation. The term spans a range of activities, from recovering shipwreck cargo to dismantling buildings for salvageable components or extracting valuable materials from waste streams and landfills.

In maritime law, salvage involves the voluntary assistance to save a ship or cargo from danger at sea. Salvors may be entitled to a reward, known as salvage, determined by factors such as the value of the property saved, the level of risk, and the salvors' efforts. Salvage operations emphasize protection of life and property; sometimes wreck removal is mandated by environmental or safety concerns.

Salvage of materials and objects includes salvage yards, deconstruction, demolition recycling, and upcycling. Practices seek to minimize waste by reclaiming metal, timber, glass, plastics, and electronics for resale or refurbishing. In construction, salvage reduces environmental impact and supports circular economy.

Salvage work requires assessment, planning, and risk management. Techniques range from manual extraction to heavy equipment, divers, or remotely operated devices for underwater salvage. Environmental protection, documentation of recovered artifacts, and compliance with laws are important.

Many jurisdictions regulate salvage through property and marine law, including ownership, salvage rights, and liability for damage. Ethical considerations include provenance, cultural heritage, and the potential for illicit trafficking of artifacts. Economic considerations include the value of recovered materials and the cost of operations.