Do you have old concrete you need to get rid of?
If you’ve recently completed a home demolition or remodeling project, odds are you have a lot of concrete scraps lying around. However, concrete is not as easy to dispose of as other materials are, which might leave you with many questions such as “can you recycle concrete?”
Keep reading to learn more about recycling concrete and why you should consider it after your next project.
How to Recycle Concrete
As recycling becomes a more common practice, you can recycle or reuse almost any material, including concrete.
If you have a bunch of concrete from a demolition or construction project, do not throw it away. You should never dump concrete in a landfill because it will not breakdown over time.
The first step to recycling concrete is using industrial construction equipment to breakdown the concrete pieces. After the concrete is crushed, it’s typically impacted again and then ran through a separate machine to remove dirt and other particles.
If you’re a homeowner who has concrete to drop off at a recycling center, make sure you call ahead to confirm whether they accept it. You can conduct a quick search online or contact your city for more information about how to recycle concrete in your area.
Benefits of Recycling Concrete
Recycling concrete can seem like a hassle, but it’s a great way to ensure your material get’s reused and doesn’t end up in a landfill.
However, taking your concrete to a recycling center isn’t your only option, and you can also purchase recycled concrete for use around your home. Here are some ways you can use recycled concrete or reuse the concrete you already have after a project:
1. Driveways and Sidewalks
Recycled concrete makes for a beautiful new driveway or sidewalk. If you’re removing a cracked concrete driveway, consider recycling the concrete and replacing the drive with recycled material.
2. Floors
Concrete floors are an interior design trend, and they give your home a beautiful, modern look. To make your home more environmentally friendly, consider using recycled concrete for your floors.
3. Countertops
Concrete countertops are also popular, and recycled concrete is a great option. Recycled concrete looks just as good in your kitchen or bathroom, but you’ll feel good that you made an eco-friendly choice.
4. Pets
You can use recycled concrete in fish tanks as a coral replacement for fish to hide in. Recycled concrete adds a unique look to any fish tank.
5. Landscaping
Recycled concrete has many uses in landscaping as well. For example, you can use recycled concrete blocks around flower beds or use concrete slabs to build a patio or paths in your yard. You can even use recycled concrete as a mulch or river rock replacement.
Learn More About How to Recycle Different Materials
Recycling concrete is a small way to make a difference. Recycling material instead of throwing items away is important to protect our planet’s health and prevent landfills from overflowing, which is already a problem we face.
Now that you know how to recycle concrete, check out the rest of our website for more recycling tips.