So, you’ve redone your brickwork and there’s a heap of old bricks left over. You may be better off recycling them than letting them go to waste.
Bricks are a recyclable material. Numerous states have recycling plants designated for construction materials such as bricks. Recycling brick can have positive effects on the environment, economic advantages, and can spark new ideas for home improvement projects.
Recycling Bricks Is Good for the Environment
Bricks have been used for centuries because they are one of the most sustainable building materials. They are, however, often wasted. For instance, statistics from The Environmental Protection Agency showed that over 11 million tons of brick were wasted in 2015 alone. Statistics also showed that the production of brick rose from 2012 to 2014, meaning more unnecessarily wasted materials.
The report Benefits of Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling in the United States from the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Association (CDRA) notes that construction debris can be dangerous to the environment if not recycled properly.
If you don’t have a use for your old bricks, you can take them to a recycling plant or even antique stores that salvage construction waste. However, that doesn’t mean old brick should be wasted. Your leftover brick can provide economic advantages.
Recycling Brick Creates Jobs and Saves Money
Construction and demolition recycling is an important resource for homeowners and presents job opportunities. The benefits report from the CDRA also notes that workers at these recycling plants handpick reusable material to make new products.
Furthermore, if you’re a homeowner, reusing brick can also save you a little bit of money. For instance, you can use bricks that have been damaged as fill for pavers and for pouring concrete. If you enjoy DIY projects, there are plenty of crafty ways to reuse bricks around the house and garden.
Old Bricks Can Be the Start of a New Project
A load of recycled brick can be a source of inspiration for homeowners. Bricks are a trending material in the DIY sphere because of their sustainability, their strength, and their resistance to heat. For instance:
- Old bricks can be used for paving new walkways around your home, or for building retaining walls around flowers in your garden.
- If you want to go the extra mile, you can make a fireplace or even a brick oven in the backyard.
- There are 15 creative ways to turn bricks into beautiful decorations in this one article alone!
Start Your Next Project Today
As we look toward creating a greener future, expect brick to be a mainstay product for homeowners. From new bricks used for large projects to recycled brick used for outdoor living and gardens, brick is here to stay.
If you’re inspired to find ways to use brick around your home or property, visit our project gallery and see some of the many Southeastern Wisconsin brick projects we’ve completed. For all of your brick needs, remember Champion Brick.
