Old drywall can be recycled into new drywall.
Whether commercial or residential, nearly all new construction and major remodeling projects make use of drywall. This means that the old drywall from homes or buildings previously on the site or those being remodeled must either be dumped in a landfill or recycled. There are uses for recycled drywall, making it more reasonable to recycle rather than dump old wallboard.
Soil Amendment
Gypsum is a necessary soil amendment for many commercial crops, as well as home lawns and gardens. It is also used in drywall. When old drywall is recycled, as much of the gypsum as possible is extracted from the boards.The gypsum is then ground into fine powder and used to improve the soil on farms and at orchards and nurseries. It works well for everything from fruit trees to grains. It is especially useful for growing lawns or sod, and is often used at parks and golf courses. Gypsum also helps break up alkali soil, improving drainage.
New Drywall
About 20 to 30 percent of the gypsum extracted from recycled drywall can be used to create new drywall. This reduces the need for mining of gypsum. Retrieving enough gypsum that is not mixed with other components of the old drywall is still expensive and time consuming, but recycling plants are working on improving technology that may someday allow more of the old drywall to be recycled into new drywall.
Cement
Gypsum is an important ingredient in Portland cement. The gypsum extracted from old drywall can be recycled and used in cement. As with recycling into new drywall, this reduces the need for additional mining of gypsum. The paper backing is removed from the drywall, and the gypsum ground into a fine powder that can be used in the cement mixture.
Paper Products
The paper backing from old drywall can be recycled into new paper products. Fibers from the old paper can be broken down to make new paper products. The old paper can also be processed into animal bedding, growing medium for mushrooms and mulch for gardens. Drywall paper is also sometimes recycled into ceiling tiles.
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