Drywall Recycling
Overview
Gypsum drywall, also known as wallboard, is a common building material made from a gypsum core sandwiched between two layers of paper. Despite the fact that gypsum drywall can be recycled and beneficially reused in a wide variety of applications and end markets, most gypsum drywall waste ends up in landfills today.
How is it Generated?
The majority of gypsum drywall scrap is generated from residential and commercial construction and demolition/deconstruction activities. Gypsum drywall scrap can also be generated during the manufacturing process. The EPA estimates over 15 million tons of gypsum drywall waste is generated in the United States annually.
Beneficial Reuse
There are a wide variety of applications for the beneficial reuse of recycled gypsum. It can be used in a closed-loop to manufacture new gypsum drywall. It is also commonly used in agriculture as fertilizer and soil amendment to support crop and soil health. Additionally, recycled gypsum has other industrial uses, such as the manufacture of Portland cement.
Recycled gypsum provides both environmental and economical benefits. It conserves natural resources and prevents hydrogen sulfide toxicity in landfills. Recycled gypsum offers a sustainable resource for manufacturers to supplemental virgin sources of gypsum. For construction companies, drywall recycling can lower their disposal costs and contribute to LEED certifications and other green building initiatives
.The lifecycle of gypsum drywall involves many stakeholders and a complex chain of custody, and we bring value by managing the gypsum drywall waste stream, processing it into recycled gypsum, and finding suitable end markets. Utilizing cutting edge technology and leveraging a wide and robust network of industry partners, we transform gypsum drywall waste into a sustainable resource.
To learn more about our drywall recycling and associated products, please visit USA Gypsum.
Food and Agricultural
Gypsum is used in agriculture to improve soil structure and provide a source of nutrients to crops.
- Increases yield - source of soluble calcium and sulfur
- Reduces runoff and soil erosion
- Provides better drainage, improves water penetration and promotes workability
- Enhances root system, promotes flocculation and reduces aluminum toxicity
- Improves nitrogen retention
- Used as an additive in animal bedding
Construction, Engineering, and Building Materials
Our high-quality recycled gypsum can be used to substitute other sources of gypsum in a variety of industrial and manufacturing processes.
- Substitute or supplement virgin or synthetic gypsum in the manufacture of new gypsum wallboard
- Additive in Portland cement to control the setting time and strength
