This paper presents a study on the batch adsorption of basic dye, methylene blue, from aqueous solution (40 mg L-1) onto cedar sawdust and crushed brick in order to explore their potential use as low-cost adsorbents for wastewater dye removal. Adsorption isotherms were determined at 20 degrees C and the experimental data obtained were modelled with the Langmuir, Freundlich, Elovich and Temkin isotherm equations. Adsorption kinetic data determined at a temperature of 20 degrees C were modelled using the pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic equations, liquid-film mass transfer and intra-particle diffusion models. By considering the experimental results and adsorption models applied in this study, it can be concluded that equilibrium data were represented well by a Langmuir isotherm equation with maximum adsorption capacities of 142.36 and 96.61 mg g(-1) for cedar sawdust and crushed brick, respectively. The second-order model best describes adsorption kinetic data. Analysis of adsorption kinetic results indicated that both film- and particle-diffusion are effective adsorption mechanisms. The Influence of temperature and pH of the solution on adsorption process were also studied. The extent of the dye removal decreased with increasing the solution temperature and optimum pH value for dye adsorption was observed at pH 7 for both adsorbents. The results indicate that cedar sawdust and crushed brick can be attractive options for dye removal from dilute industrial effluents. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.