Old wallboard can be recycled.
At present, there are no strict regulations on the disposal of gypsum waste in the U.S. Most waste gypsum is contained in wallboard and is disposed of in landfills. Gypsum and ash have been exempted from the "hazardous waste "designation. In May 2010, the EPA presented two options pertaining to the designation and disposal of coal combustion residuals, which includes gypsum. If gypsum is designated hazardous by this proposal, federal regulations will be developed for the way it is held and stored, groundwater monitoring, and rules regulating recycling methods.
U.S. Landfill Disposal
Recycled gypsum can be used in agriculture.
More than 15 million tons of gypsum waste are disposed of in landfills in the U.S., Europe and Asia annually. Much is contained in blocks and wallboard used in construction and from demolition of older structures. Gypsum in a landfill combines with organic wastes and rain, to form hydrogen sulfide gas. This is toxic at high levels has an unpleasant "rotten eggs' smell at lower levels. Many landfills in the U.S. and Europe have banned gypsum wallboard in favor of recycling.
Gypsum Recycling in United States
Scrap wallboard containing gypsum can be recycled.
While there are no federal regulations treating gypsum as hazardous waste yet, disposal of gypsum is regulated at the state or local level. The EPA encourages gypsum recycling as a Best Management Practice". This has been implemented by some states, including Wisconsin, where recycled gypsum is substituted for agricultural gypsum. Only new wallboard can be used. "Blue" and "green" wallboard that have been treated with fire retardant or contain aluminum foil, paraffin, vinyl or fiberglass aren't acceptable. Waste board is stored in a dry place until it is ground into particles no smaller than ½ inch. These particles are added to fertilizer and spread on soil, replacing agricultural gypsum.
Disposal Regulations in Europe
The EPA may regulate landfill dumping of wallboard.
Great Britain, Wales and several European countries banned the disposal of gypsum wallboard in landfills and mandated using recycling centers. Wallboard scraps are ground into powder and gypsum used to make new wallboard. Some gypsum wallboard recycling centers have developed processes to handle screws, nails and paper backing in the boards. Demolition wallboard can be ground up and recycled, making a significant reduction in the amount of waste. Smaller units have been developed which can be taken to areas near demolition sites to process waste wallboard, reducing transportation costs for hauling debris wallboard. New wallboard is produced containing up to 25 percent of gypsum from recycled waste board.
Disposal of Gypsum as CCR in U.S.
At the present in the U.S., disposal of gypsum and Coal Combustion Residual (CCRs) is not regulated and these wastes go to landfills, gravel pits and quarries. If the EPA's proposal is adopted, there will be regulations for storage, handling gypsum products, composite liner requirements in landfills, surface impoundment areas, groundwater monitoring, corrective action for releases from the unit and surface stability requirements. This proposal remains under evaluation
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