What is an ecobrick and where can I drop it off?

What is an ecobrick and where can I drop it off?

Let's create a better world, one (eco)brick at a time!

What's an ecobrick?

While researching ways to reduce single-use plastic consumption, I came across ecobricks.

 

An ecobrick is a plastic bottle stuffed solid with used, clean and dry non-biodegradable waste to create a reusable building block - think those flimsy plastic bags used to carry fruit & veg, cling film, biscuit and candy wraps, silvery packets, etc.
Ecobricks can also be packed with other non-biological un-recyclables that, uncontained, are toxic to the environment (i.e. styrofoam, wires, small batteries, to name a few).
You’ll be surprised how much you can fit into one bottle!
Ecobricks are used to make modular furniture, garden spaces and full-scale buildings such as schools and houses.
Where can I drop it off?
At the moment, we are looking for a new partner here in Ireland. We want to find a group or a business that will be able to collect the bricks and make useful pieces of furniture, walls and beyond with them!
If you know of anyone interested, please email me at pat@reuzi.ie - thanks in advance!



What to do?

BUILDING AN ECOBRICK IS EASY!
1) Save dry, clean, non-biodegradable, non-recyclable materials such as foil from tea bags, crisps and sweets, old photos, styrofoam bits, fruit & veg plastic wrappers, wax paper, cling film, plastic tags, packaging stickers and tape
2) Find clean 1.75ml or 2L fizzy or cordial drink bottles with a lid
3)  Use a stick or the skinny side of a wooden spoon to press the waste into the bottle 
4) Fill the bottle tightly to the top with compressed matter (it should feel really robust) -  step on it and if it doesn't dent in, you are good to go!
5) Put the lid back on and pat yourself on the back - you have just built an ecobrick!

WHAT'S NEXT?
Why not build a small table for your garden or a stool chair for your playroom with your ecobricks? Share your creations with us!

Take a look at this video for more information on ecobricks!


5 comments


  • reuzi

    Hello everyone, we love that you love this initiative :) We are still on the lookout for new drop-off points though. We’d love to see people using less and less single-use plastics (as ecobricks aren’t a solution per se) but we understand that at times, you will still come across some and that it’d be great to make something out of it. If you know of a place where ecobricks can be turned into something else, please let us know!

    We will continue to look for it :)

    Thanks again!


  • Lauren

    Hi,

    I’m also curious to know if there are drop off points for eco bricks in Ireland?

    Thanks,
    Lauren


  • Emma

    Any update on drop offs for eco bricks in Ireland?


  • Caroline Duffy

    This is such a great initiative, it would be so great to find s drop off point!


  • Annabel Smith

    Hi I was wondering if we have found a drop off location for Eco Bricks in Ireland yet ? Thanks.


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