Gypsum drywall
recycling can provide a great environmental benefit, but it must be
performed in a safe manner. Several environmental issues must be
addressed.
Drywall
from Demolition and Renovation
Drywall
removed from older structures may be painted or coated in some
manner. Lead based paint was still used in some residential
structures through 1979. While paints containing large amounts of
lead are more likely to be encountered on window sills, door frames and
exterior walls, painted drywall may require testing for lead (and
possible other contaminants) depending on the reuse option.
Recycling by land application to soil would likely be the reuse
scenario where trace metal contamination would be most limiting.
Asbestos was used
by relatively few wall board manufacturers in the past, but may be
encountered in the joint compound associated with the wallboard
installation. Mercury was used as a fungicide by some wallboard
manufacturers in the past. The end market user or the regulator
may require these issues be addressed if the source of the drywall is
renovation or demolition.
Issues Pertaining to All
Drywall Sources
The handling and processing of gypsum drywall often produces dust. Dust
can be a nuisance and possibly an irritant if not controlled.
Control is typically performed by spraying the raw material, or the
size-reduced endproduct, with water. Workers should be equipped
with a dust mask and proper eye protection. Because of the
potential dust emissions, the appropriate regulatory agency should be
consulted to determine if an air permit is required.
Type X drywall contains small pieces of fiberglass. The presence
of the fiberglass has been raised as a possible concern by some.
While the fibers are reported by the industry to be too large to
represent an inhalation hazard, the impact of grinding is
unknown. This issue is currently under investigation. The
impact of type X drywall on earthworms has been studied (link),
and the
authors reported no negative impact from the fiberglass.
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Drywall
processing may require dust control and possibly
an air emissions permit.
Type
X drywall contains small
pieces of fiberglass.
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