In our workshop, we never throw clay away. Every leftover piece is carefully collected and reclaimed for future use.
Did you join our cowering and just learning how to recycle on your own? Or do you create pottery at home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to recycling clay efficiently.
Recycling clay has several benefits:
Saves Money – Reclaiming clay means you get more value from every bag.
Eco-Friendly – Instead of sending clay to a landfill, you can give it new life.
Improves Your Connection with the Material – It teaches patience and respect for the craft.
Throughout your pottery sessions, you’ll end up with different types of clay waste: trimming, failed projects, any dry-out leftovers.
1️⃣ Keep a dedicated clay recycling container (a plastic bucket or large tapper with a lid works well).
2️⃣ Let clay scraps dry out completely. Dry scraps absorb water much faster. If you follow this rule, your recycled clay will have smooth and even consistency.
3️⃣ If you use different clay types, keep them separate to avoid contamination.
Once you have enough dry scraps, it's time to bring them back to life!
1️⃣ Break up large pieces – The smaller the pieces, the faster they absorb water. Use hummer if needed.
2️⃣ Add water – Fill your container with enough water to fully submerge the clay. Let it absorb water naturally.
3️⃣ Wait 24-48 hours – The clay will gradually turn into a thick, smooth slip. If it’s too dry, add more water. If it’s too soupy, you can let some water evaporate.
Once your clay is fully rehydrated, it needs to be dried to a workable texture. If it's too wet, it will be sticky and unusable.
1️⃣ Use a plaster board – Plaster absorbs moisture quickly, making it the best option for drying clay evenly.
In the studio we have plenty of these! If you are recycling at home and don’t have a plaster slab, you can use an old wooden board, concrete slab, or thick fabric.
2️⃣ Spread the clay in a thin layer – The more surface area exposed to air, the faster it dries. Aim for about 2-4 cm thickness.
3️⃣ Flip the clay occasionally – This helps dry it evenly.
4️⃣ Check the consistency – When the clay is soft but not sticky, it's ready for the next step!
Tip: If you don’t have plaster, you can pour the wet clay into an old pillowcase and hang it up. The fabric will slowly absorb moisture while keeping the clay clean.
Once your clay has reached a soft, workable texture, it’s time to wedge it (knead it) to remove air bubbles and ensure a smooth consistency.
1️⃣ Cut the clay into small sections to make wedging easier.
2️⃣ Use the spiral or ram’s head technique – This involves pushing and folding the clay repeatedly to align its particles.
3️⃣ Check for air pockets – If you find bubbles, keep wedging! Air pockets can cause cracks during firing.
Tip: Test the clay – Roll out a small coil and bend it. If it cracks, the clay might still be too dry and needs more wedging or a bit more water.
Recycling clay is a small but powerful way to make your pottery practice more sustainable. It saves money, reduces waste, and deepens your understanding of ceramics. And you can recycle your clay an infinite amount of times!
