Buy drywall from suppliers who recycle scrap
Recycling for gypsum drywall is limited.
Some drywall manufacturers accept scraps for recycling. Unfortunately, only a few plants nationwide take significant quantities. Even if recycled gypsum is not directly available in your area, it makes sense to favor suppliers that recycle scrap into products such as soil amendments and oil-spill absorbents. Drywall scraps must be stored separately from other materials and kept clean. Recycling drywall reduces pressure on landfills, and reduces pollution in the form of hydrogen sulfide gas from decomposing gypsum.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: Up to 3 points for reducing the volume of construction waste (MR 3).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: 7 points for on-site recycling that diverts at least 50% of construction waste from landfills (605.2).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
