Here is a second innovative idea from Damon Carson on reusing what some may consider to be "junk" materials. Look for future articles, and be sure to submit your own repurpose ideas to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also see Repurposed corner: Recycled billboard tarps.

The byproduct of industry:
Well, the machine this byproduct comes off of is not necessarily seen as much in the country and rural communities. However, you go to a city of any size, and you’re sure to see lumbering vehicles along the city streets kicking up dust like a good whirlwind.

In fact, you may have become irritated at how they sometimes snarl traffic, or worse yet, you can’t park on the street during certain hours because this vehicle might be at work.

Yes, the good ‘ole street sweeper is what I’m talking about. But what about a street sweeper is good for re-use? It is the actual brushes that do all the work. Not the swirling round brushes that stick out on the corners and brush up against the curbs. I’m talking about the long, cylindrical ones underneath the machine that flicks the dirt actually up into the hopper.

The repurpose:
What, then, can one do with a 60” long super heavy duty brush that is about 18" in diameter?

Think about this, too, these brushes are strong, strong, strong. They have to be to continuously brush about against the abrasive road surfaces and debris at a high RPM and not fall apart.

The repurposing of these brushes solves a very basic desire of livestock and us humans for that matter. What do you do when you have an itch? You find something to scratch it.

Yes, mount one of these obsolete street sweeper brushes on a pole and you have a livestock backscratcher that will last for years and years. And, oh just think, now your animals can scratch that itch without tearing up your fence or their shade trees.  PD

Damon Carson is the owner of www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com in Denver, Colorado. The company has a diverse selection of repurposed products for sale. Its motto is: “recycling by re-using byproducts of industry.”