Advancing Sustainable Practices for Gypsum Recycling

Author: Terry Weaver, President, USA Gypsum

The Gypsum Recycling Committee of the Construction and Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) is leading efforts to expand sustainable practices for gypsum drywall recycling. Recognizing gypsum’s vital role in construction and the environmental challenges posed by its disposal, the committee is focused on improving recovery systems and fostering robust end markets for recycled gypsum.

Insights from Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

A recent life cycle assessment (LCA) draft conducted by Innovative Technical Solutions (ITS) for CDRA highlights the environmental benefits of recycling gypsum over landfilling. Recycling reduces environmental impacts such as smog formation, eutrophication, and water depletion.

However, challenges arise in scenarios where transportation distances are significant, or recycled paper management is inefficient, leading to increased global warming potential and energy use. Optimizing transportation logistics for both gypsum and recycled paper is critical to maximizing the environmental benefits of recycling. The committee is currently reviewing the draft prior to submitting it for third-party verification.

California’s Legislative Efforts for Closed-Loop Gypsum Recycling

The CDRA Gypsum Recycling Committee has provided comments and recommendations to support potential California legislation requiring gypsum drywall recycling. Key recommendations include:

• Source Separation: Mandating the separation of gypsum scrap at its source and processing through state-certified recycling facilities.
• Incentives for Recycled Content: Promoting the use of recycled-content drywall through “buy recycled” initiatives and educational campaigns.
• Infrastructure Investment: Expanding recycling infrastructure to support collection, processing, and reuse.

A study sponsored by the Gypsum Association documented the annual sale of 1.6 million tons of gypsum board products in California. This study offers critical insights into gypsum material flows and sustainability opportunities.

Building a Sustainable Future

By addressing infrastructure gaps, developing strong end markets, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, gypsum recycling can significantly reduce the material’s environmental footprint. The CDRA Gypsum Recycling Committee remains committed to promoting environmental stewardship and economic sustainability in the construction industry.

For more information about CDRA’s recommendations or to get involved, visit CDRA’s website. Together, we can create a future where construction materials are reused, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.