Can ceramic floor and wall tiles be recycled?

QuestionsCategory: RecyclingCan ceramic floor and wall tiles be recycled?
Reena Das asked 6 years ago
Summary
Can ceramic floor and wall tiles be recycled?
Article Name
Can ceramic floor and wall tiles be recycled?
Description
Ceramic floor and wall tiles are widely used for various purposes and thus are a common item in construction and industrial waste. Apart from reusing, ceramic tiles should be recycled to reduce its impact on the environment.
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GreenSutra
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1 Answers
Team GreenSutra® Staff answered 6 years ago

Yes, ceramic floor and wall tiles along with other ceramics can be recycled.

Ceramic floor and wall tiles are widely used for various purposes and thus are a common item in construction and industrial waste. Apart from reusing, ceramic tiles should be recycled to reduce its impact on the environment.

Ceramics are formed when clay is heated to a point where particles stick together into a rigid mass after partially melting. In order to recycle ceramics, they are first broken down to amorphous form using large grinding machines, flat tamping tools or a large hammer. Once they are turned into powder (amorphous form), it can be distributed onto soil with no side or ill effects while removing them completely from landfills. Using this powder in excessively sandy soils may benefit from the addition of clay powder.