How to Recycle Clay

The magical material called clay has delighted makers, builders, and artists for millennia. Clay slips through our hands into all sorts of wondrous creations – pots, sculptures, bricks. However, the creative process often leaves us with remnants, scraps, and pieces unsuitable for their original purpose.

As an avid ceramicist, I used to reluctantly toss these leftovers, feeling guilty about the wasted material. Then I discovered the simple joy of recycling clay. Now my studio “scraps” are put to new use, live another life, allowing my work and my art to be more sustainable. In today’s post, I’ll share my favorite methods for how to recycle clay so you can give your castoffs a second chance at creation.

9 Best Ways on How to Recycle Clay

1. Reclaiming Clay by Hand:

The simplest method for recycling clay is by hand. First, let the leftover clay dry out until it becomes leather-hard. Then, with a flat tool such as a rib or an old credit card, scrape off the dried clay from any glaze-covered areas. You can also use a wire cutter to break up larger pieces into smaller chunks. Finally, knead and wedge the clay to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed before use.

2. Using a Clay Reclaimer:

For larger amounts of leftover clay, investing in a clay reclaimer can be worthwhile. These machines are designed specifically for recycling clay scraps and making the process more efficient. Most reclaimers use water and blades to break down the dried clay into a new batch of plastic clay. Keep in mind that this method may require more maintenance and cleaning compared to hand reclaiming.

3. Soaking in Water:

Another simple method for recycling clay is soaking it in water. This process works best with smaller amounts of clay and can be done directly in a bucket or container. Fill the container with water, then add your scraps and let them soak for at least 24 hours. The clay will soften and break down into a thick slip, which can be poured off and used as new clay.

4. Mechanical Mixing:

If you have a large amount of scrap clay and a pug mill, mechanical mixing is a great option for recycling. Pug mills mix and de-air the clay to create a new batch of plastic clay. Simply add your scraps into the hopper, turn on the machine, and let it do the work for you. The result is a smooth, consistent clay with minimal effort.

5. Using a Ball Mill:

For those who have access to or are willing to invest in a ball mill, this method can be used to recycle dry scraps of clay. A ball mill uses rotating cylinders filled with small balls to grind up the scrap clay into powder form. This powdered clay can then be reconstituted with water to form new clay. Using a ball mill is a more time-consuming method, but it can be useful for recycling very dry or hard clay.

6. Clay Paper:

A unique and creative way to recycle clay is by making your clay paper. This process involves blending scraps of clay with water to create a slip, then pouring the slip onto canvas or fabric. The clay will dry and bond to the surface, creating a flexible and durable clay paper that can be used for various applications. This method is great for repurposing scraps into unique art pieces or functional objects such as bowls or jewelry dishes.

7. Sculptural Recycling:

Don’t limit yourself to traditional methods of recycling clay – let your creativity shine by using scrap clay in sculptures and mixed media projects. Scraps of clay can be used as armatures, filling, or texture components in larger works of art. You can also combine scrap clay with other materials such as wood, metal, or even found objects to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

8. Slip Casting:

For those who work in slip-cast ceramics, recycling clay is an essential part of the process. Instead of throwing out extra slips after casting your molds, reclaim them by pouring them back into a storage container. This method allows you to reuse the same slip multiple times, saving both materials and money.

9. Donating or Selling:

If you find yourself with more clay scraps than you can use, consider donating them to other artists or selling them at a discounted price. Many artists and art schools are happy to receive donated clay as it can be expensive to purchase. You can also sell your scraps to individuals looking for smaller amounts of clay or to schools and studios that may not want to invest in larger quantities.

Following these methods for how to recycle clay can not only save you money and materials but also benefit the environment by reducing waste. Additionally, recycling clay allows us to tap into our creativity and think outside of the box when it comes to reusing materials. So next time you have leftover clay, don’t throw it away – give it a new life and see where your imagination takes you. Happy recycling!

Additional Tips and Tricks to Recycle Clay

1. If your clay is too hard and difficult to work with, you can add a small amount of water to make it more pliable. However, be careful not to add too much water as this can cause the clay to lose its strength and become brittle when dry.

2. You can also use a clay softener or conditioner to revive old and dried-out clay. These products can be found at most art supply stores and can help restore the elasticity of your clay.

3. To prevent your clay from drying out in between projects, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This will keep the moisture in and make it easier to work with when you’re ready to use it again.

4. If you have a lot of small scraps of clay, you can combine them by using a pasta machine or rolling them out with a rolling pin. This will help create a smooth and even texture, making it easier to work with.

5. Don’t throw away your old or unused clay! You can use it as filler material for larger projects or mix it with new clay to create unique colors and textures.

6. Experiment with different tools and techniques to create interesting textures and designs in your clay projects. For example, you can use a fork to create a wood grain effect or a toothpick to add small details.

7. When drying your clay creations, make sure to do it slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. You can do this by covering the project with a damp cloth or placing it in a sealed plastic bag.

8. If your clay has any air bubbles, you can use a needle or toothpick to poke them and release the trapped air. This will help create a smooth surface for your project.

9. Consider repurposing old packaging materials as clay tools. For example, you can use bottle caps to create circular shapes or cardboard strips to make lines and patterns.

Following these tips and tricks will not only help you recycle your clay effectively but also make the process more enjoyable and creative. Have fun experimenting and creating with recycled clay!  So go ahead and get your hands dirty to create something beautiful out of your old clay scraps. Happy recycling!  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Recycling Important?

Recycling helps conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. It also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. Recycling also helps create new products, which in turn supports industries and creates jobs. Overall, recycling is an important step towards sustainability and a cleaner environment.

How Does Recycling Clay Help the Environment?

Recycling clay, a natural resource, helps reduce the amount of virgin clay mined from the earth. This not only preserves non-renewable resources but also reduces energy consumption resulting from mining and processing activities.

Furthermore, recycling clay prevents it from ending up in landfills where it can take years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. In addition, recycling clay helps conserve water resources by reducing the need for water in the production process. Overall, recycling clay has numerous environmental benefits and contributes to a more sustainable future.

What is the Process of Recycling Clay?

The process of recycling clay involves breaking down used or unwanted clay into smaller pieces, known as grog. This grog is then mixed with virgin clay and water to reconstitute it into a usable form. The mixture is then kneaded, rolled, and shaped into the desired form before being fired in a kiln to harden. This process can be repeated multiple times, with each cycle resulting in stronger and more refined clay.

Can Clay Be Recycled Indefinitely?

Yes, clay can be recycled indefinitely as it is a natural resource that does not lose its properties when used repeatedly. Some potters prefer to use recycled clay as it has already gone through the initial shaping and hardening process, making it easier and more cost-effective to work with.

However, it is important to note that clay may become contaminated if mixed with other materials during the recycling process, so it is important to properly separate and clean the clay before recycling.

Conclusion

All in all, learning how to recycle clay is an important skill for those working with this versatile material. Not only does it have numerous benefits for the environment, but it also helps reduce costs and supports a more sustainable future.

By following the proper steps and guidelines, we can all play a part in conserving resources and creating a cleaner planet for generations to come. So next time you have excess or unwanted clay, remember to recycle it and contribute to a more sustainable world.  So, let’s take action now and make a positive impact on our environment by recycling clay!