Ways to Recycle or Reuse Bricks

What do you do with a pile of bricks? If you have leftover bricks from a project or you have used bricks that came along with your home purchase, don't toss them out. Instead, recycle, reuse or donate the bricks. Learn the value of recycling bricks and find 10 great project ideas for your leftover or used bricks.

Why Recycle or Reuse Bricks?

There are several important reasons for not tossing out your bricks. Recycling is an important means of saving energy and helping the environment. It reduces waste in landfills, saves the cost to dispose of the bricks, saves the cost of extracting more natural resources from the earth, and reduces the pollution required to manufacture new bricks.

Value of Old Bricks

But there's one more reason for not tossing out those old bricks. They are worth money--sometimes more than new bricks. Many construction projects seek used brick for their historic value and vintage appeal. To find contractors or masonry companies who might be interested in purchasing your leftover or found bricks, put an add in your local paper or post a notice on a community board. If nothing more, call your local recycling center to find out where you can donate your bricks.

Old Bricks in New Builds

Using old bricks in new builds means you must know the composition, load capacity, and durability of the bricks. That takes an expert. In addition, any mortar may have to be removed--increasing labor costs. These are a few reasons why new builds may not be interested in used bricks. But there are so many other projects that you could do with leftover bricks. Here are 10 of them.

1. Build a beautiful garden feature or yard art.
2. Pave a patio, sidewalk, or walkway.
3. Build a brick fire-pit.
4. Build a brick barbecue.
5. Line a flower bed with bricks.
6. Make containers or raised pots.
7. Edge the yard with brick corners or pavers.
8. Make brick and board bookshelves.
9. Use bricks as weights to hold down tarps.
10. Place a brick in each household toilet to displace water.

Benefits of Bricks as Pavers

Some cities are beatifying the neighborhood by removing asphalt off the top of brick-lined streets. It's quite a process, but it greatly improves the look of the neighborhood and the property values. Brick paved streets are more pleasing to look at, and rain water seeps between the bricks, rather than into the gutters. Plus, a brick surface is cooler in hot months. These street advantages make bricks a good choice in your driveway or patio too. You can pave ugly surfaces or muddy areas with brick pavers that allow rainwater to seep naturally into your soil.

Don't overlook the value of your stack of used or leftover bricks. Recycle your bricks into new projects in your own yard, sell your bricks for profit, or donate your bricks to those who would value your donation.