www.drywallrecycling.org

 

Can gypsum drywall be recycled?

The mineral gypsum has many uses in today's society.  In addition to the manufacture of drywall for building construction, gypsum is also widely used as a soil amendment, in the production of cement, and as an ingredient in the manufacture of many types of commercial products.  Since the gypsum makes up approximately 90% of the weight of a piece of drywall, if the gypsum can be recovered from the drywall, the majority of the material can be recycled.  Scrap gypsum drywall is currently being recycled in several locations in North America.  Examples include:
  • The manufacture of new drywall
  • Use as an ingredient in the production of cement
  • Application to soils and crops to improve soil drainage and plant growth
  • A major ingredient in the production of fertilizer products
  • An additive to composting operations
Despite its successful use in many locations, most drywall in North America is still disposed in landfills.  Challenges to widespread recycling include collection and separation, low landfill disposal fees, and the need for more education of potential end users of the recycled material.

For more information on how gypsum drywall can be recycled, see the Markets page.
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