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. Clean drywall, free of asbestos, can be recycled. Clean drywall consists of new off cuts, drywall pieces with no mud present, or drywall with mud that is tested and verified to be free of asbestos (or verified to be post-1990 via a date stamp).

Drywall containing asbestos can be disposed of at Hartland Landfill as Asbestos Containing Material. Test results and appointments are required, and loads must follow specified packaging and disposal requirements.

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.

Only clean drywall, free of asbestos, can be recycled. The gypsum and paper will be separated and reused or recycled for a variety of purposes including composting or manufacturing new sheets of drywall. Clean drywall consists of new off cuts, drywall pieces with no mud present, or drywall with mud that is tested and verified to be free of asbestos (or verified to be post-1990 via a date stamp). Contact the listed facilities directly regarding restrictions, testing requirements and charges.

Disposal
If the testing indicates that the drywall contains asbestos, it is accepted at Hartland Landfill as Asbestos Containing Material.  Test results and appointments are required, and loads must follow specified packaging and disposal requirements.

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 and Recycling

    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