Disposal Guide
How to Dispose of Bricks in Ottawa
Canadians dispose of nearly 27 million tonnes of non-hazardous waste annually, including bricks.
Bricks are heavy, bulky, and can’t simply be thrown in the trash. Plus, Ottawa has specific regulations for brick disposal, so it’s important to understand your options.
In this disposal guide, we’ll cover the legal ways to dispose of bricks in Ottawa, ON.
Rent a Dumpster
Renting a dumpster bin tends to be the go-to solution for construction, demolition or DIY projects with a lot of leftover bricks.
A dumpster bin gets delivered to your work site at the time you request it, you fill it with old bricks, and the bin company picks up the bin and disposes of it properly, following all regulations.
A 10-yard dumpster bin is usually ideal with enough capacity to handle a lot of brick without taking up a lot of space or being cumbersome.
Having a dumpster bin delivered lets you clean up and dispose of bricks at your own pace and gets rid of the need for multiple trips to a disposal facility.
The bin company deals with all of the transport and disposal, saving you a lot of hassle.
If you’ve decided to rent a dumpster, determine the amount of brick waste you have, talk with a company rep, and get a recommendation on bin size.
Pick a trusted Ottawa bin rental company known for competitive dumpster pricing and reliable service. Check their Google reviews!
Renting a dumpster bin can be a pretty straightforward and stress-free way to deal with brick disposal, letting you get on with your project.
Benefits
- A dumpster is delivered directly to your work site, saving you multiple trips to a disposal facility.
- The rental company handles all disposal logistics and transportation.
- A 10-yard dumpster provides ample capacity for brick waste without taking up excessive space.
Considerations
- Confirm that your site has enough space for the dumpster without disrupting work activities.
- Be aware of pricing details, including pickup and disposal fees, to avoid unexpected costs.
- Ensure you select a trusted local rental company by checking customer reviews and ratings.
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Find a Place to Recycle Bricks
In Ottawa, there are facilities that specialize in recycling construction waste, including brick. Ottawa has specific regulations for brick disposal, so it’s important to know your options.
By recycling bricks, you reduce local landfill waste. Recycled bricks can be repurposed for DIY projects like yard pathways and garden retaining walls.
Before you can recycle bricks, they need to be cleaned to remove any mortar or dirt. Next, research local recycling facilities that accept old bricks. Some centres might offer pickup services, but you will usually need to deliver the bricks yourself.
Make sure you securely load your bricks for safe transportation to the recycling facility. Recycling is great for the environment and gives new life to your old bricks.
Benefits
- Recycling bricks helps reduce landfill waste and supports environmental sustainability.
- Some recycling centers offer pickup services, providing added convenience.
- Recycling contributes to the local circular economy by supporting facilities that handle construction waste responsibly.
Considerations
- Bricks need to be cleaned of any mortar or dirt before they can be recycled.
- Research local recycling facilities to find one that accepts old bricks and meets your needs.
- Transportation is typically your responsibility, so ensure your bricks are securely loaded for safe delivery.
Sell Your Old Bricks
If your bricks are in good condition, you can make money and clear space by selling them to people or businesses looking for used materials for their projects. Used bricks can be in high demand and you are helping the reduce waste. Canadians dispose annually nearly 27 million tonnes of non-hazardous waste — including brick.
Clean, undamaged bricks are going to be more appealing to buyers, so it’s a good idea to clean and sort your old bricks first.
Next, list your bricks on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or local classifieds. You can list your undamaged bricks separately from your broken ones, but both should sell. Write clear descriptions and use great photos to attract buyers.
Set a price by researching what others have sold their used bricks for recently.
Are you going to offer delivery? You can charge an extra fee if you can. Or have the buyer pick them themselves.
By selling your old bricks, you can make some extra money while helping someone else get the materials they need for their project.
Benefits
- Selling your bricks allows you to make extra money while clearing out space.
- There is often high demand for used bricks, making it easier to find buyers.
- Clean, undamaged bricks are appealing and can be sold at a better price.
Considerations
- Cleaning and sorting your bricks is necessary to make them more attractive to buyers.
- Research prices on similar listings to set a competitive price for your used bricks.
- Listing broken bricks separately can help you sell both types more effectively.
Reuse Your Bricks for Your Next Project
Reusing your own bricks for a home or landscaping project can be a lot of fun and look amazing. Reused brick adds character and charm to your property.
Some homeowners create charming garden paths, adding a rustic touch to their yard. Others reuse brick to build sturdy retaining walls in their garden.
Build a custom fire pit with reused bricks for outdoor gatherings, or craft unique planters by stacking bricks to form stylish garden features.
Repurposing your bricks for projects on your property is a creative way to keep that character and charm that would otherwise be lost.
Benefits
- Reusing bricks adds character and charm to your home or landscaping projects.
- Repurposing bricks is cost-effective since you already have the materials on hand.
- Reusing bricks is an environmentally friendly choice that keeps materials out of landfills.
Considerations
- Reusing bricks may require some cleaning and preparation to remove old mortar or dirt.
- Matching the reused bricks with your existing property style can be a creative challenge.
- Reusing bricks requires time, effort, and a bit of creativity to achieve the best results.
Donate Your old Bricks
Donating bricks is another great way to give them a new life. Many organizations and community projects will happily re-use donated building materials, taking them off your hands and putting them to good use.
You can donate your used bricks to community gardens, where local groups can use them for paths, borders, or raised beds.
Some Non-profits like Habitat for Humanity accept building materials for construction projects. Schools or art programs might also use bricks for educational or creative projects.
By donating bricks, you’re getting rid of something you don’t need while contributing to community development and helping others. Very win-win.
Benefits
- You can support local gardens, nonprofits, or schools by providing valuable materials for their needs.
- Organizations like Habitat for Humanity can repurpose your bricks for construction projects.
- Donating helps reduce waste while contributing to community development and sustainability.
Considerations
- You’ll need to research local organizations that accept brick donations.
- Bricks should be in good condition and clean to be suitable for donation.
- Some donation centers may require you to transport the bricks yourself.
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Hire A Junk Removal Service
Hiring a junk removal company is probably the most convenient option. These companies specialize in hauling pretty much anything away, for a price.
Professional junk removal services will take care of everything, disposing of your brick legally and efficiently.
Junk removal companies can be expensive, however, especially if you have a lot of brick to haul.
You might also not get the timeline you want which can be inconvenient if you need your bricks removed right away.
Make sure you choose a company that handles brick disposal, and have them give you a quote upfront so there are no surprises later on.
Benefits
- Junk removal services handle everything for you, providing maximum convenience.
- Professionals ensure legal and efficient disposal of your bricks.
- Hiring a service saves you time and effort since they take care of the heavy lifting.
Considerations
- Availability may be limited, potentially leading to delays in your preferred timeline.
- Not all companies handle brick disposal, so ensure they offer that service before hiring.
- It’s important to get a clear quote upfront to avoid unexpected charges.
bring Your old Bricks to a Landfill
Hauling your bricks to a landfill is always an option, if you have a truck or trailer.
While less environmentally friendly than other choices, sometimes it’s the most practical way to go, especially if you have a large amount of bricks to get rid of.
Before taking your bricks to a landfill, check the landfill regulations and verify what’s required before you bring them in.
Landfills often charge fees for dumping construction waste, so learn what’s going to cost you beforehand.
Also, make sure you properly and legally secure your load and use a vehicle that can handle the weight so you don’t get pulled over.
Benefits
- This option allows for immediate disposal without waiting for other services or solutions.
- It’s a straightforward approach if you already have a truck or trailer available.
- Landfills are usually accessible and don’t require prior scheduling.
Considerations
- Landfill disposal is less environmentally friendly than recycling or donating bricks.
- You’ll need to verify landfill regulations and fees before dropping off your bricks.
- Properly securing the load is essential to avoid legal issues during transportation.
FAQs
Brick Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions we often get about brick disposal.
Bricks must be disposed of carefully as they come with potential health risks associated with silica, a material commonly found in bricks.
Dust from crushed or broken bricks can pose hazards if inhaled, so it’s important to work safely.
Wear proper personal protective equipment like masks, gloves, coveralls, and steel-toed boots when working with brick to avoid both exposure to silica dust and dropping a brick on your foot.
Read up on local Ottawa regulations and safety guidelines for brick waste disposal before you start working.
While some places will accept bricks along with other construction debris (like scrap metal), it’s a good idea to call and ask. Some facilities and service providers require you to separate brick from other materials. Give whoever you choose a call and clarify their policies on accepting mixed construction debris.
No, bricks should never be thrown in regular trash bins. They’re too heavy. Dispose of them properly and avoid potential fines.
Yes, bricks can often be recycled and reused in landscaping or construction projects. Some recycling centres may accept them for free or at a reduced cost.nt
Disposal costs vary depending on your location and the amount of material. You may pay by the ton at a landfill, rent a dumpster through a company like CFT Bins, or find a local business willing to take them off your hands.
Use sturdy containers or a wheelbarrow for smaller loads, and rent a truck or trailer for larger quantities. Make sure to load and unload them carefully to avoid injury.
Rent a dumpster from CFT Bins
When deciding between brick disposal options, renting a CFT dumpster bin is a great option.
At CFT Bins, we have dumpster bin sizes that are perfect for hauling away bricks from construction or demolition projects in the Ottawa area.
Eliminate the need for multiple trips to the dump or renting a hauling truck. Let us haul your bricks away, dispose of them properly, and let you get back to your project!
We service Ottawa, Gatineau, Pembroke, and surrounding regions!