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Experts say Massachusetts recovers only a fraction of clean drywall; upstream separation needed
Summary
Industry speakers told MassDEP that although markets exist for clean gypsum, only roughly 2,000 tons are recycled in Massachusetts and that upstream jobsite separation is required because mixed C&D processing destroys recoverable drywall.
At a MassDEP technical meeting, Terry Weaver of USA Gypsum outlined a large compliance gap between the Commonwealth’s drywall landfill ban/guidance and actual recovery on the ground.
Weaver said Massachusetts and New England received significant drywall shipments in 2024 (USGS data cited) and estimated that Massachusetts could generate between about 45,000 and 90,000 tons of clean gypsum cutoffs eligible for recycling; he said only about 2,000 tons are recycled, implying a roughly 2–4% recovery rate. "I don't think you can find anything that would support a recovery rate better than 5%," Weaver said.
Weaver and MassDEP staff stressed why separation must occur before mechanical C&D processing: once drywall is crushed and screened on mixed‑waste lines it becomes unrecoverable and the gypsum often becomes landfill residuals or alternative daily cover. Weaver described practical upstream solutions — dedicated carts and jobsite collection models ("Tommy Cart") and requirements in permits and guidance that processors spread and inspect loads on the tip floor.
Processors on the call noted barriers for demolition material and painted or specialty boards, which Weaver said are not accepted for closed‑loop recycling because of paint, coverings and long‑history contamination concerns. MassDEP’s Mike Elliott said the agency will step up enforcement of permit terms requiring separation and inspection.
