If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover bricks or damaged ones, the Three Little Pigs have some advice. While brick is a reliable building material, it can also be recycled along with other construction and demolition waste. However, for small quantities, reusing bricks is a more practical option.
Understanding Brick Composition
Bricks are typically made from a mixture of sand, clay, lime, iron oxide, and magnesia, bonded with mortar. The high melting point of brick makes traditional recycling methods challenging, as it requires temperatures of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Importance of Brick Reuse and Recycling
Construction generates vast amounts of waste, with over 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris produced in the US in 2018. Landfill disposal may not be an option due to brick’s durability and regulations in certain states.
Options for Reusing Bricks
Instead of recycling, consider reusing bricks in new construction, landscaping, or DIY projects. Donating bricks to organizations like Habitat for Humanity can also be a sustainable option.
Recycling Bricks
Curbside recycling programs typically do not accept bricks, but you can find brick recycling locations through Earth911’s search tool. Crushed bricks can be used for landscaping or as a base material in various applications.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on November 6, 2017, and updated in August 2024. Have questions about recycling specific materials? Let us know!
