Waste that Worked

What it was: Builders mixed crushed glass into stucco and terrazzo flooring to create glittery, durable surfaces.
Why it worked: Cheap, strong, and visually striking — it shimmered in sunlight and added texture.
Why it faded: Glass sorting declined when recycling systems changed; new builds prioritized speed and uniformity.
How it could return: Decorative aggregates for sustainable architecture — using local, post-consumer glass.

References:

• National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association — History of Terrazzo: https://www.ntma.com/terrazzo-history/ 

• Terrazzo & Marble Association of Canada: https://www.tmac.ca/terrazzo/ 

• Wikipedia — Terrazzo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrazzo

What it was: Ground-up tires (crumb rubber) added to asphalt to make quieter, longer-lasting roads.
Why it worked: Reduced road noise, improved flexibility, extended lifespan by up to 50%.
Why it faded: Cost of prep equipment and inconsistent tire collection programs.
How it could return: Cities reintroducing it now under “quiet pavement” and “rubberized asphalt” initiatives.

References:

• U.S. Department of Transportation — Rubberized Asphalt Overview: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/recycling/

• Rubber Manufacturers Association — Tire Recycling Facts: https://www.rma.org/ (redirects to USTMA)

• Wikipedia — Rubberized Asphalt: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubberized_asphalt

What it was: Power plant waste (fly ash) used to replace cement in concrete.
Why it worked: Stronger, more durable, lower emissions.
Why it faded: Public misunderstanding around the word “ash” and industrial lobbying for traditional cement.
How it could return: Green concrete standards now reintroducing fly ash and similar industrial byproducts.

References:

• Portland Cement Association — Fly Ash in Concrete: https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-applications/paving/buildings-structures/fly-ash 

• USGS — Fly Ash Use & Production: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/fly-ash 

• Wikipedia — Fly Ash: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_ash

What it was: Shredded, treated newspaper packed into attics and walls as insulation.
Why it worked: Cheap, fire-resistant, energy-efficient.
Why it faded: Fiberglass became the norm due to aggressive marketing and convenience.
How it could return: Still used in sustainable retrofits — and could easily scale up again.

References:

• U.S. Department of Energy — Cellulose Insulation: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation/types-insulation 

• BuildingGreen — Cellulose Insulation Profile: https://www.buildinggreen.com/product-review/cellulose-insulation 

• Wikipedia — Cellulose Insulation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose_insulation

What it was: PET plastic from bottles spun into polyester fabric for clothing and carpets.
Why it worked: Diverted millions of tons from landfills; easy to process and dye.
Why it faded: Fast fashion co-opted it and cheapened the reputation of “recycled” textiles.
How it could return: Circular textile systems where old clothes feed new fiber production.

References:

• Textile Exchange — Recycled Polyester Market Report: https://textileexchange.org/

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation — Circular Textiles: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

• Wikipedia — Recycled Polyester: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyester#Recycled_polyester 

What it was: Micro glass beads from recycled bottles used in road paint for reflectivity.
Why it worked: Improved night visibility and driver safety.
Why it faded: Still used today — but mostly from virgin glass beads due to processing costs.
How it could return: Municipalities switching back to post-consumer sources.

References:

• 3M — Glass Beads for Road Markings (industry standard): https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40066463/

• FHWA — Pavement Marking Materials: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/hlp/13078/ 

• Wikipedia — Glass Bead (Reflective): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_bead

What it was: Deconstructed barns, factories, and war ruins reused to build new homes.
Why it worked: Resource shortages demanded it — and the wood was already well-seasoned.
Why it faded: Mass-production of cheap, new lumber made reuse “unnecessary.”
How it could return: Deconstruction now replacing demolition in sustainable construction.

References:

• Construction & Demolition Recycling Association — Wood Reuse: https://www.cdrecycling.org/

• Forest Products Laboratory (USDA) — Reclaimed Wood Research: https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/ 

• Wikipedia — Reclaimed Lumber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reclaimed_lumber

What it was: Artists and cities reused industrial metal for sculpture, playgrounds, and monuments.
Why it worked: Durable, expressive, and full of character.
Why it faded: Safety codes and mass casting made custom reuse rarer.
How it could return: Urban beautification meets circular design — local scrap turned into civic pride.

References:

• International Sculpture Center: https://www.sculpture.org/

• Art Encyclopedia — Scrap Metal Sculpture Overview: https://www.visual-arts-cork.com/sculpture/scrap-metal.htm 

• Wikipedia — Junk Art: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk_art

What it was: Old sidewalks, bridges, and buildings were crushed and reused in new roads, foundations, and retaining walls.
Why it worked: Saved landfill space, reduced the need for new stone, and provided a strong, stable base for construction.
Why it faded: Cheap access to virgin gravel and outdated building codes — often dismissed as “inferior” despite strong performance.
How it could return: Modern recycling tech now separates concrete, rebar, and contaminants efficiently, making it cleaner and stronger than ever — some cities are even mandating it.

References:

• Recycled Materials Resource Center (RMRC): https://rmrc.wisc.edu/

• U.S. DOT — Concrete Pavement Recycling: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/recycling/

• Wikipedia — Recycled Concrete: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycled_concrete