Clean and Unused Drywall / Gypsum

Clean drywall (never hung) boards and clean off-cuts from new construction can be brought to the Sechelt Landfill or Pender Harbour Transfer Station without testing required. If clean unused pieces are mixed with used drywall, the entire load is categorized as used drywall and must meet the requirements for used drywall acceptance which includes testing for asbestos.

Used Drywall / Gypsum that tests negative

Used drywall is accepted for recycling when accompanied with test results indicating there is no asbestos. Please carefully follow these guidelines to ensure your drywall can be accepted. You should contact a qualified asbestos testing company before beginning any work.

Testing is required for:

• Any drywall that has been up on a wall
• Used drywall from a renovation or demolition
• With signs of mud, joint compound, tape, paint or textured finishes
• Used drywall from newer buildings

Test Results

The asbestos test results must accompany a load of drywall and have to include:

• Name
• Address
• Results that state asbestos not detected, 0%, No Compound Found (NCF) or any other terminology that indicates asbestos not detected on ALL line items within the report.
• Dated within the previous 6 months.

The SCRD cannot accept test results where drywall tests negative but other materials on the test result test positive for asbestos. Drywall tests are sent with your drywall to the processor where they verify with testing and cannot have other materials that have tested positive for asbestos listed on them.

The SCRD delivers the gypsum (with no asbestos) to New West Gypsum for recycling. They are the only gypsum recycling facility in BC. The SCRD faces large fines and possibly a ban from the facility should the gypsum be found to contain asbestos. New West Gypsum reviews all of the test results and conducts spot-tests prior to the load being accepted.

Drywall without proper documentation will not be accepted.

Used Drywall / Gypsum that tests positive

The SCRD recycles drywall and CANNOT under any circumstances accept drywall that has tested positive for asbestos. There is no recycler for this material and we do not have proper containment at this time for safe handling. Contact a qualified company to remove and dispose of drywall that has asbestos.

The following materials may contain asbestos and require testing:

• Ceiling tiles
• Cement (transite) panels
• Fire retardant cement board (not HardiePlank)
• Flooring: vinyl tiles and linoleum sheet flooring; flooring adhesives
• Stucco
• Textured ceilings and coatings
• Vermiculite (no testing required, contains asbestos)

If test results are negative for asbestos:

• Materials testing negative for asbestos can be delivered to the Sechelt Landfill or Pender Harbour Transfer Station during regular operating hours accompanied by negative test results, within 6 months of the test.
• These materials are subject to a disposal fee. Learn more at www.scrd.ca/disposal-fees

If tests results detect asbestos

Materials testing positive for asbestos (other than drywall / gypsum and joint compound with) may be disposed of at the Sechelt Landfill only. It is recommended to contact a qualified asbestos abatement, removal and disposal company to assist with safe removal, transportation and disposal.

The Sechelt Landfill requires the following six-step disposal procedure:

1. Bag using 6 mil clear bags: Fill bag so you can easily lift with one hand to shoulder height. For long pipes, seal broken ends in 6 mil plastic.
2. Securely seal: Twist the unused top portion of bag into a tail, seal with duct tape at the base of the tail, bend leftover tail section around to make a loop, attach to base of the tail using duct tape.
3. Double bag: Place the first bag into the second bag and repeat sealing procedure. Wipe outside of bags with wet cloth.
4. Clearly label as asbestos
5. Schedule drop-off: Call the Sechelt Landfill to schedule drop-off of your asbestos. Please provide the number of bags you would like to bring, the material inside the bag, your name and your phone number. You will receive a phone call back to schedule a time, which may take 1-2 weeks. Landfill staff need extra time to arrange for special landfilling procedures. If you must cancel, please call the Sechelt Landfill a minimum of 24 hours before your scheduled time.
6. Deliver load: At the schedule time, please bring your materials to the Sechelt Landfill. The disposal fee for Waste Asbestos applies. Learn more at www.scrd.ca/disposal-fees