In the 1990s, Bauteilbörsen were the primary places where people could find reused building components. Most still active in Switzerland today are based on principles of social integration, employing people who are unable to work in the primary labour market.

These unique marketplaces serve as hubs for the storage, repair, and maintenance of building components that have been carefully dismantled from existing buildings. Bauteilbörsen are pivotal in promoting the idea of component reuse, offering a practical solution to reducing waste and extending the life cycle of building materials. By facilitating the sale and purchase of these reused and upcycled components, architects, builders, and homeowners can integrate sustainable practices into their projects. This approach not only conserves resources and minimises environmental impact but also fosters a culture of innovation and responsibility within the construction industry.

The most significant Bauteilbörsen active today are Bauteilbörse Basel (powered by overall), Syphon Biel, Matériuum Geneva, ProMaison Lausanne, Bauteilladen Winterthur, Stiftung Chance Zürich and Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft Zug.