Can bricks be recycled?

Bricks are one of the most familiar sights in the built environment. From homes and offices to schools and garden walls, bricks form the backbone of much of the UK’s construction landscape. But what happens when bricks reach the end of their service life? Can bricks be recycled, and if so, how?

The short answer is yes, bricks can often be reused or recycled. The process all depends on their condition, how they’ve been used, and whether or not they’ve been contaminated by other materials. Here’s everything you need to know about brick recycling…

The importance of brick recycling 

According to Qflow, the construction industry generates 62% of the UK’s total waste, with 32% of landfill waste coming from construction. But landfills are running out of space and environmental regulations are becoming stricter, so it’s vitally important that you recycle or reuse as many construction materials as possible.

Recycling or reusing your bricks can help to:

• Conserve natural resources. Bricks are traditionally made from clay and shale, which are materials that require energy-intensive extraction and processing. Reusing or recycling your bricks reduces the demand for these virgin resources.
• Reduce landfill waste. Diverting your bricks from landfill lessens the environmental impact of your construction projects and helps you meet regulatory recycling targets.
• Support the circular economy. By keeping materials in use for longer, you’re helping to protect both the planet and your wallet.

Why reusing bricks is the most sustainable option

The best way to recycle bricks is actually to reuse them in their existing form. Many old bricks are still structurally sound, even after being removed from demolition sites. In fact, reclaimed bricks are often highly sought after thanks to their weather appearance and unique colouration.

Reclaimed bricks can be used for:

• Building extensions or garden walls
• Landscaping projects such as patios and edging
• Heritage and restoration work

In order for bricks to be reused, they need to be intact and free from any major cracks. Bricks that are covered in mortar can sometimes be cleaned and prepared for resale or reuse, as long as they are carefully separated, structurally sound, and free from contaminants that might compromise their quality.

Can you recycle broken or damaged bricks?

Not every brick can be reused whole, but that doesn’t mean it should go to waste. Damaged bricks can be crushed and processed into a wide range of valuable secondary materials, including:

• Construction aggregates for roads, pathways, and foundations
• Drainage media or decorative landscaping material
• Sports and leisure surfaces like tennis courts and running tracks
• Feedstock for new bricks

This means that even bricks that are too damaged for direct reuse can still be recycled into useful materials that support construction, landscaping, and other applications.

When bricks can’t be recycled

However, some bricks are too heavily contaminated to be reused or recycled effectively. Common examples include bricks that:

• Have been bonded with plasterboard or insulation materials
• Have been exposed to hazardous substances such as asbestos
• Are coated with paints, sealants, or adhesives that are difficult to remove

In these cases, you may need to use specialist disposal methods to ensure that you comply with waste regulations and cause minimal harm to human health or the environment. This could involve sending your bricks to licensed hazardous waste facilities, using approved removal contractors, and following strict handling guidelines to prevent the release of harmful substances. You’ll also need to document the process to demonstrate compliance with waste regulations and provide peace of mind to both your contractors and your clients.

Responsible brick disposal from McCarthy Marland

Here at McCarthy Marland, we understand the challenges that construction firms and contractors face when it comes to brick disposal. Bricks are heavy, bulky, and difficult to remove without the right equipment. That’s where we come in.

We provide a wide range of waste management and recycling services that are specifically tailored to construction and demolition projects. Whether you’re clearing a small garden wall or demolishing a full building, we’ll ensure that all waste materials are sorted and processed correctly to maximise recycling rates. Our expert team knows everything there is to know about the regulations around construction waste, so you can be confident that your project will be fully compliant.

Contact us today to discuss your construction waste needs.