Substantial quantities of the fuel traditionally used in brick making can be replaced by agricultural residues or waste products from industry. This book provides case studies from Practical Action’s experience of working with brick makers around the world, particularly small-scale producers.
Case studies illustrate the economic and potential environmental advantages of using these alternative fuels and point the way towards the more rational use of such alternatives. Readers will be able to assess the experiences of using different residues or wastes and thus better able to judge the best alternative fuel and technology for brick firing in their own situation.
Kelvin Mason is a consultant and writer with wide experience of brickmaking issues. He is the author of The Small-Scale Vertical Shaft Lime Kiln and Brick by Brick (both Practical Action Publishing).
Contents: Foreword; Acknowledgements; List of Figures; List of Photos; List of Tables; List of Boxes; Abbreviations and Units; 1) Small-scale Brickmaking Around the World; 2) The Environmental Impact of Using Waste; 3) Fuel Choice and the Potential of Wastes; 4) Trails with Coal-dust, Coal-dust Briquettes, Waste Oil, Rice Husks and Sawdust in Peru; 5) The Use of Cow-dung, Bagasse and a Variety of Other Agricultural Residues in Sudan; 6) Trials with Boiler Waste in Zimbabwe; 7) The View From Europe; 8) The Feasibility, Sustainability and Viability of Using Wastes; Appendix: Photocopiable Forms; References; Further Reading.
"A good starting point for all those involved in small-scale brick production." -- Paul Hassing, Netherlands Development Cooperation
Published by Practical Action Kelvin Mason October 2007 176 pp., 6 1/8" x 9 1/4", figures, tables & b/w photos
Fuel For Free? 
Waste Materials in Brick Making: