What would you like to Recycle?

Drywall

sheetrock, gypsum

Glossary
Drywall

Drywall or Sheetrock makes up approximately 30% of the debris of a standard modern home. All drywall must now be tested for asbestos content before it can be either recycled or processed as controlled waste.

Go to Asbestos for more important information on this process, including testing companies.

Reduce | Reuse | Recycle | Facilities

How do I go green?

Evaluate the necessity of the job before undertaking a new home renovation or demolition project. Measure twice, cut once to ensure you are getting the most use out of each new sheet.

There is limited scope to reuse sheets of drywall, as it will be marked with nail or screw holes and cut to make openings for outlets and switches; however, some pieces could be used for small areas or patching jobs.

All drywall must be tested for asbestos content. 
If the testing indicates that it does not contain asbestos, the facilities below will accept gypsum drywall for recycling. The gypsum and paper will be separated and reused or recycled for a variety of purposes including composting or manufacturing new sheets of drywall.

Disposal
If the testing indicates that it does contain asbestos, it is accepted at Hartland Depot as controlled waste, by appointment only. Documentation of testing must be available for review.

Note: Drywall is banned from disposal as garbage at Hartland Depot.

For information on the health risks associated with asbestos please visit WorkSafe BC's website.

Contact facilities directly regarding restrictions and charges.

Facilities

  • DL's Recycling Centre

    6844 Oldfield Rd
    Saanichton
    250.544.3103

  • Ellice Recycle

    524 David Street
    Victoria
    250.386.4342

  • GFL Environmental (formerly Alpine, and Terrapure Environmental)

    1045 Dunford Avenue
    Victoria
    250.474.5145

  • H.L. Disposal & Lawn Services Ltd.

    334 Hillside Ave
    Victoria
    250.381.2020

  • Pender Island Waste Management Ltd


    Pender Island
    250.629.6690

  • Salt Spring Garbage

    360 Blackburn Road
    Salt Spring Island
    250.537.2167

    • The Environmental Story

    Gypsum is a naturally occurring mined mineral. Reuse or recycling of drywall can help prevent further depletion of gypsum stocks. New wallboards typically contain about 15 - 20 percent recycled content.

    Drywall is a lightweight, easy to install, building finishing product made of paper with a gypsum core. If disposed of in a landfill, the gypsum may react with the bacteria in the landfill resulting in the release of odorous and dangerous hydrogen sulphide gas. Some drywall contains asbestos.  Don’t bury any drywall in your yard or within your walls.

    Did You Know?

    Conducting a home renovation? Learn steps required to ensure your waste material will be accepted for disposal. www.crd.bc.ca/renowaste