Gypsum scrap generated from wallboard manufacturing, construction and deconstruction activities in North America, Europe and Japan is a recognized environmental problem. Of these regions, the European Union is the most advanced in dealing with the issue, having enacted legislation to come into effect in July 2005 that will act to strongly encourage gypsum recycling throughout the EU. An estimated 8 to 15 percent of all gypsum used in the wallboard industry becomes recyclable scrap. In the U.S., 2.5 to 4.5 million tonnes of gypsum scrap is generated each year; the volume is similar in Europe (the percentage of total tonnage is lower due to higher use of brick and concrete). Landfill disposal of this gypsum scrap is problematic, with deposits often creating hydrogen sulfide emissions and metallic sulfide groundwater leachate. Governments are examining alternatives to contend with this waste, including the use of Eco- fees, increased landfill taxes and government- imposed solutions that could also generate additional revenues to support other public solid waste programs. These extra costs may affect the price competitiveness of gypsum-based construction products and so an industry-led solution to recycling scrap may be more cost-effective than one imposed by government. The Greater Vancouver Region of British Columbia has banned gypsum from its landfills; as a result, all gypsum scrap is now recycled. New West Gypsum Recycling, a Canadian firm with recycling plants in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, uses its proprietary technology to process large quantities of wet and dry gypsum scrap, and incorporate it into new wallboard at percentages ranging up to 25 percent. The Vancouver recycling program is examined herein as a case study for consideration by other urban regions in Europe, Japan and the United States. Recommendations are provided as to how other regions can implement similar gypsum scrap recycling programs.
展开▼
