Drywall Disposal Challenges - How & Where to Recycle
Drywall is a material often used in house and building construction projects in Canada. However, getting rid of it isn't easy. It's really important to throw it away the right way, so we don't harm the environment.
In this blog post, we're going to look into how difficult it can be to get rid of drywall in Canada, especially in Metro Vancouver. We'll cover which types of drywall recycling centers take, why it's important to know when it was made, and what's being done to reduce its effect on the environment.
The Drywall Disposal Challenge in the Lower Mainland
Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is often used for walls and ceilings inside, because it's affordable and simple to put up. But, throwing it away can get tricky.
Drywall is harder to break down in trash dumps compared to other building materials. It can also give off harmful gases, like hydrogen sulfide, when it starts to decompose.
Cities all over Canada are trying to lessen the harm construction waste does to the environment, and this includes drywall. The big problem is telling apart clean drywall from the contaminated kind, which might have dangerous stuff like asbestos or lead paint. This makes recycling harder and shows why it's so important to throw it away the right way.
Types of Drywall Accepted at Recycling Centres
Recycling centers play a crucial role in diverting drywall from landfills and promoting a circular economy. However, not all drywall is the same, and recycling facilities often have specific requirements for the types they accept. Here are some common considerations:
Clean Drywall:
Recycling centres typically accept clean drywall, free from contaminants such as paint, mud, nails, screws, or other construction debris. Clean drywall can be ground into a gypsum powder that is then used in the manufacturing of new drywall or agricultural applications.
Dated Drywall:
In some regions, recycling facilities may require drywall to be dated to ensure that it meets certain standards and regulations. The dating may indicate that the drywall was manufactured after a specific date, ensuring that it complies with safety and environmental guidelines.
In British Columbia, any drywall that has date-stamped 1990 or newer will be accepted at the recycling centre.
Drywall manufactured prior to 1990 must undergo asbestos testing conducted by an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspector. Upon confirmation of the absence of asbestos in the material, you are authorized to transport the drywall to a recycling center. Ensure to accompany the drywall with a printed report for proper disposal.
No Asbestos or Hazardous Materials:
Asbestos-containing drywall poses serious health risks, and recycling facilities will not accept drywall with asbestos. It's crucial to identify and properly dispose of asbestos-containing materials through specialized hazardous waste disposal programs.
Separation of Paper Backing:
Some recycling centres prefer drywall with separated paper backing, as it simplifies the recycling process. Separated paper can be recycled separately, reducing the overall environmental impact.
In British Columbia, the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing drywall is restricted to individuals licensed by WorkSafeBC. Consequently, recycling centres will not accept such materials unless handled by licensed professionals.
Disposal Location & Disposal Limit
New West Gypsum
New West Gypsum Recycling accepts waste gypsum wallboard and gypsum drywall for recycling into new gypsum products. Recycled products include new Gypsum Wallboard and related Gypsum products. Help the environment and save money by returning your used Gypsum Wallboard end-cuts or renovation gypsum drywall waste in their NewWest Gypsum Recycling Plant located in New Westminster, British Columbia.
At this site, you are permitted to dispose of any drywall, whether it’s new or used. You can also dispose of non-dated, or dated before 1990, provided you possess an asbestos report confirming the absence of asbestos contamination.
There are no restrictions on the quantity of drywall you can dispose of at this location. Feel free to dispose of any amount of drywall here.
New West Gypsum Location: 38 Vulcan St, New Westminster, BC V3L 5T7
Metro Vancouver
There are limited designated locations within Metro Vancouver facilities where you can responsibly dispose of both new and old drywall, subject to certain restrictions. These disposal sites are located at:
Maple Ridge: 10092 236 Street, Maple Ridge, BC V2W 1B7
United Boulevard: 995 United Boulevard, Coquitlam, BC V3K 4S8
North Shore: 30 Riverside Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1T4
Central Surrey: 6711 – 154 Street Surrey, BC V3S 7C6
North Surrey: 9770 192 Street, Surrey, BC V4N 4C6
Langley: 1070 - 272 Street Langley Township, BC V4W 2M7
Vancouver Landfill: 5400 72nd St, Delta, BC, V4K 3N3
Vancouver South Transfer Station: 377 West Kent Ave North, Vancouver, V5X 2X1
New Drywall Limitation at Metro Vancouver Facilities
New gypsum date-stamped 1990 or newer that has not been previously installed (no tape, paint or mud) can be recycled at any of above disposal site.
When you arrive there, each load of new drywall must be:
Easily accessible for inspection by staff prior to off-loading
Accompanied by a signed Declaration and Acknowledgement, which is also available from the Transfer Station and Landfill weigh scales.
Used Drywall Limitation at Metro Vancouver Facilities
Used residential drywall (including pre-1990 drywall) is accepted for disposal at Metro Vancouver disposal facilities from residents that have removed the drywall from their homes and transported it to the Landfill. It does not need to be date stamped or accompanied by test results. It can contain asbestos.
Note: Used drywall from contractors and businesses is not accepted.
Each load of used residential drywall must be:
Delivered by the homeowner to the Landfill in a non-commercial vehicle. You will be asked to show your driver's license, so the source of the drywall can be recorded.
It must be double-bagged and sealed in plastic bags that are 6 mil thick before arriving at the Landfill. Each bag must be individually sealed, and the outer bag labeled ‘Drywall’. Labels are available at the landfill weigh scales.
Instructions for sealing each bag
Twist the unused top portion of the bag into a tail. Seal the base of the tail with duct tape.
Take the leftover twisted tail section of the bag and bend it around to make a loop. Attach it to the base of the tail using duct tape.
Place the first bag in the second bag, and repeat steps 1 and 2.
The limit per customer for used drywall is 10 bags per day, 5 times per year.
Navigating the complexities of drywall disposal in Canada requires a collective effort from construction professionals, recycling facilities, and the general public.
By understanding the types of drywall accepted at recycling centers, the importance of proper dating, and adopting responsible disposal practices, we can contribute to a more sustainable construction industry and minimize the environmental impact of this common building material.
As Canada continues to evolve its waste management strategies, all stakeholders need to collaborate and prioritize the responsible disposal of drywall for the benefit of our environment and future generations.
Say goodbye to the inconvenience of managing drywall and other construction material disposal – let Rhino Demolition & Junk Removal services handle it for you in the most professional and sustainable manner. Contact us today for a complimentary estimate and experience a highly recommended hassle-free Demolition & Junk Removal Services
