Sometimes, pavers need to be replaced. Ideally, you will never have a ton of pavers to throw away. Good maintenance and proper installation will make sure your pavers last for years. But, when the need arises, how can we get rid of old pavers?
Old pavers and bricks can actually be used in different ways. Most of those ways involve recycling or reusing them for other types of projects you may have around your house.
Let’s discuss some options in this article and hopefully provide you with some creative ideas on how to use your old pavers differently.
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How to Get Rid of Old Pavers: Can’t I Just Throw Them Out?
Well, that is always an option, of course. But be careful, some cities have rules about what you can put in a dumpster, and pavers and other forms of heavy rubble are usually not allowed.
To simply throw them out, one of your best options is to rent a roll-off dumpster. Most rental companies will be ok with you using their dumpsters to throw out old pavers, but maybe you can only fill 3/4 of the dumpster.
You can also hire a junk removal company. They come with trucks and tools and practically do everything by themselves. That makes the service a bit more expensive, but it might be worth it, depending on how many pavers you need to get rid of.
So, if you are not throwing them out, what are the other options?
Recycling Pavers: Putting DIY Hardscape Creativity to the Test
Recycling pavers for simple DIY hardscape projects around your house is always a great idea. We will give you some ideas on how to give your old pavers a second life.
Garden Bed
Old pavers can make for an elegant and simple edging for gardens. This is one of the simplest options, with no masonry skills required at all.
Simply give them a good scrub and use them to make a “box” for your current garden. And if you don’t have one, maybe that’s a good opportunity to add some plants to your backyard.
Drainage Material
In the end, pavers are nothing more than small blocks of concrete. If anything, you can always crush them and turn them back into gravel.
This gravel can substitute what would otherwise be an expensive material and become a drainage material in several ways, even during the installation of new pavers.
If you can crush them into tiny pieces, you can even use them on potted plants.
Foundations
If your pavers are just ugly, but still functional, you can use them as a foundation for outdoor buildings, like playhouses, sheds, and greenhouses.
Looks won’t be a problem because they will be hidden anyway. It will save you a lot of money since you won’t have to buy new ones.
Old Pavers Are Still Pavers!
Old pavers are still, well… pavers. They can be used in specific areas where you would otherwise have to worry about their maintenance.
Under grills and BBQs, for example. The flux of grease, food, drinks, and coal is a real concern for pavers in this area. If you put your old ones under them, you won’t have to worry about it that much.
You can use them in a space for kids to play, like on a small patio next to a sandbox, playhouse, or treehouse. No need to use new pavers in these situations, where kids will certainly put their integrity to the test playing with mud, paint, chalk, and God knows what else.
This idea of a mini patio for “dirty stuff” can be applied to adults as well. Your old pavers can be placed anywhere where you would potentially be dealing with spillages or working with heavy stuff. Outside kitchens and workshop areas are good examples.
They can also be used to create a simple stone walkway. Without having to prepare the soil first, you can use them more freely and give a “natural” feel. Simply lay them directly on the ground to create a charming path made out of pavers.
Read also: How to clean brick pavers with muriatic acid
Selling or Donating Old Pavers
One of the easiest, cheapest, and most environmentally friendly ways to get rid of old pavers is to donate or sell them. It’s a win-win – you avoid disposal costs, and someone else gets affordable or free materials for their own projects.
Start by checking local buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. Pavers are expensive when bought new, so homeowners are often happy to pick them up, even if they’re mismatched or a bit weathered. Just be honest in your listing – include dimensions, quantity, and condition.
If selling isn’t your goal, consider offering them up for free pickup. Just stack them neatly in your yard or driveway and post a listing. You’d be surprised how quickly someone will come and take them off your hands.
You can also reach out to local nonprofits, especially those focused on housing and construction. Habitat for Humanity ReStores sometimes accept used pavers, bricks, or masonry materials in good shape.
Finally, try contacting local schools or community gardens. These organizations are often on tight budgets and welcome building materials for landscaping paths or garden borders.
This option doesn’t just clear space from your yard, it also helps your community. Plus, it’s way more sustainable than sending heavy concrete blocks to a landfill.
How to Safely Remove and Store Old Pavers
Before you can get rid of your old pavers – whether by reuse, donation, or disposal – you need to remove them correctly. This helps preserve their condition and prevents damage to your property.
Start by checking if the pavers are set in sand or mortar. If they’re loose-set, use a flat pry bar or screwdriver to gently lift the first paver. Work slowly to avoid chipping the edges. Once the first is out, the rest will be easier – just wiggle and lift.
For mortar-set pavers, the process is tougher. You’ll likely need a hammer and chisel to break the bond, and it’s almost impossible to remove these cleanly. In that case, consider recycling or crushing them instead of trying to reuse them.
Stack the pavers on a flat, stable surface, preferably on a wooden pallet. Avoid stacking too high; going more than 4 feet can be risky. Keep similar sizes together and stack face-to-face to reduce chipping.
If you’re planning to reuse them later, consider rinsing off dirt and moss with a hose and letting them dry completely before stacking. Don’t cover them with plastic unless they’re fully dry, trapped moisture can lead to mold or staining.
And always wear gloves. Pavers may have sharp corners or silica dust, especially if they’ve been cut or exposed for long periods.
Proper removal and storage keep your options open. Whether you want to repurpose them in your garden or find someone else who can use them, clean, well-kept pavers are way easier to deal with than a pile of broken rubble.
Getting Rid of Old Pavers: Our Final Thoughts
Again, in the end, old pavers are still pavers. You are sure to find a new home for them if you’re a DIY aficionado.
At best, you can reuse them in several places and projects around the house. At worst, they are still made out of concrete, which is an expensive material, so you can crush them and use them as gravel.
Be as it may, professionals can give you some ideas or, if you don’t have any, even take the old pavers out of your hands themselves. If you happen to be around the Sarasota area, in FL, the best professionals in the area when it comes to the installation and maintenance of pavers can be found at JS Brick.
For 20 years, we have been providing the best products and high-quality services. Give us a call right now at +1 941 586 9140 for a free estimate on your hardscape project.
