Bricks and building rubble

From bricks to bookshelves

Can I recycle bricks and building rubble?

No. Your local recycling centre won’t accept bricks or rubble for recycling, and they can’t be collected as part of your local authority’s kerbside scheme.

  • Bricks, stones and other building materials that are in good condition can be sold, donated or re-used.
A pile of bricks on a building site, with a trowel sat in front of it

Redundant rubble should always be disposed of responsibly, but bricks can be easily re-used.

What else can I do with it?

  • Sell it! Building materials are always in demand. Advertise in local papers or on community noticeboards. Alternatively, try a jumble or car boot sale. There are also online market places for building materials:

  • Donate it! A community project near you may have a use for your building bits and pieces.


Re-use your bricks

  • Build features in your garden with left over bricks and stones
  • Turn bricks into bookshelves by stacking at either end; lay old shelves,
    or sheets of plywood on top and below.
  • Use to weigh down dustbin lids, nets or plastic sheeting

Other peoples' ideas

Submit your idea
Use your bricks to build an outdoor barbecue - sure beats a rusting metal one.
Paul (Ipswich)
Lay old bricks with boring concrete slabs to make a more attractive driveway or patio
Kate Dewey (Stafford)
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