Gypsum Drywall Recycling: A Growing Opportunity in C&D Materials Recovery
Gypsum drywall, also known as wallboard, sheetrock, or plasterboard, is one of the most common materials in construction and demolition (C&D) debris. While much of it still ends up in landfills, drywall is fully recyclable, and in the right hands it’s a valuable feedstock for multiple end markets.
As demand grows for sustainable construction and soil health solutions, recycled drywall presents a business opportunity for forward-thinking recyclers and processors.
What is Gypsum Drywall?
Drywall is made from gypsum, a mineral composed of calcium sulfate and water. It’s processed into a flat panel and sandwiched between paper to create lightweight, fire-resistant interior walls.
Each sheet of drywall is about 90% gypsum by weight. That core material can be recovered and reused in several high-value applications.
Where Does Recyclable Drywall Come From?
Gypsum drywall can be recovered from a variety of sources:
- Post-manufacturer scrap from drywall production plants
- Post-construction offcuts and installation scraps
- Demolition debris, including painted and previously installed drywall
While post-manufacturer material is clean and easy to recycle, advances in processing technology are also making post-consumer drywall more accessible for recycling operations.
How Is Gypsum Drywall Recycled?
The recycling process typically involves:
- Removing contaminants like nails, screws, and plastic
- Separating gypsum from paper backing
- Grinding the gypsum into a fine powder
- Transporting the clean material to downstream processors or end users
Gypsum Drywall Recycling
From Waste to Valuable Resource
End Markets for Recycled Drywall
Recycled gypsum is a versatile material with strong demand across several industries. Some of the most promising end markets include:
Manufacture of New Drywall:
Recycled gypsum can be used in the production of new wallboard. Many drywall manufacturers already use post-manufacturer scrap, and in some cases, post-consumer recycled gypsum can make up 10–20% of new product content.
Portland Cement Manufacturing:
Gypsum is a key ingredient in cement. Recycled drywall can replace virgin gypsum in this process, controlling the setting time of concrete and reducing the need for mined material.
Soil Amendment for Agriculture:
Recycled gypsum improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility. It’s especially useful in clay or saline soils and as a calcium and sulfur source for crops like peanuts, potatoes, and corn. Bulk application by farmers represents a major opportunity.
Compost Additive:
When added to compost, gypsum enhances nutrient content (especially sulfur and calcium) and can help manage odors by binding ammonia. The paper component also breaks down as organic matter.
Emerging Uses:
Other potential uses include animal bedding, specialty construction products, and experimental materials in landscaping and erosion control. These developing markets offer additional potential for innovation.
Why Recycle Gypsum Drywall?
Besides addressing environmental concerns like landfill burden, soil health, and the contamination of water sources, drywall recycling makes good business sense. Demand for recycled gypsum is rising, and new technologies are expanding what’s possible.
As landfill restrictions tighten, like the ban on gypsum drywall disposal in Vancouver, recyclers have a growing incentive to build gypsum recovery into their operations. When gypsum is placed in a moist, anaerobic environment, such as a landfill, hydrogen sulfide gas is emitted. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas can be toxic at high concentrations (500-1000 ppm), but the main concern at many sites is the offensive odor.
Gypsum Drywall Recycling Environmental and Permitting Issues
As with the recycling of most construction materials, environmental and human safety issues must be addressed. For drywall from demolition and renovation, possible issues of concern include the presence of lead-based paint and asbestos. Dust emissions may also need to be addressed.
Processors and recyclers of scrap gypsum drywall should consult the appropriate regulatory agency to determine which regulations and policies must be met, and whether or not a permit is required. A list of state contacts is provided to assist interested parties in determining appropriate regulatory requirements.
Possible Environmental Concerns with Gypsum Drywall Recycling
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. 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 end product, 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.
CDRA: Your Partner in Gypsum Drywall Recycling
The CDRA supports businesses looking to expand or launch gypsum recycling programs. Our members include recyclers, processors, manufacturers, and end users across North America.
If you’re exploring drywall recycling, or looking to scale up your operation, CDRA membership connects you with the resources, advocacy, and industry network you need to succeed.
Join CDRA today and take your place in the future of Gypsum Drywall recycling.