Purpose This paper aims to analyse the behaviour of dune sand mortars with the addition of ceramic waste. The objective of improving the performance of these modified mortars was evaluated in terms of accelerated carbonation performance. Design/methodology/approach The effect of these recycled materials was studied in an experimental programme through several tests. The carbonation depth was determined using a classical phenolphthalein test. The mass fractions of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 were calculated using thermogravimetric analysis, water absorption occurring through capillary action and open porosity, and the mechanical characteristics were measured after subjecting the materials to wetting–drying cycles. Findings The results show that using ceramic waste provides better performance in terms of water absorption by capillary action, open porosity and carbonation penetration. Originality/value This research is a study of the incorporation of ceramic waste up to 10 per cent in dune sand mortar. The choice of using ceramic waste to produce dune sand mortars has benefits from economic, environmental and technical points of view and offers a possibility for improving the durability of mortars.