[USCC] drywall dust

Tue May 20 10:15:20 CDT 2008

There have been several studies and best-practices reports on using gypsum wallboard scrap on-site to condition the soil at construction sites, such as the Georgia report at http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/33989.pdf. It's best done by thorough shredding and even distribution across the yard. The paper seems to be a problem only if it ends up in large clumps or is not incorporated in the soil and ends up blowing around. If applied in really heavy amounts, the gypsum could affect nutrient balance. However, it is used liberally in horticulture to increase soil moisture retention and to increase buffering capacity, thus helping correct any pH problems, and overdoing it on an entire yard would take a lot.

>>> "Mike Archer, MJA Organics" <marcher at mjaorganics.com> 5/19/2008 1:18 PM >>>
Drywall is primarily gypsum, CaSO4.  Therefore any reaction will involve the
calcium and sulfate portions.  Gypsum is used as a soil conditioner to
correct soil pH levels.  

Michael Archer
MJA Organics LLC
414.897.6368
marcher at mjaorganics.com 
www.mjaorganics.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com 
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Cary Oshins
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 8:35 AM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] [USCC] drywall dust

We received the following inquiry. Obviously drywall dust is not
biodegradable (except for a little paper), but I wanted to get more info on
environmental impacts before responding. 

Thanks!

Cary

Victoria, from Annapolis, MD, wrote

"I assist homeowners in the building / remodeling process. We were wondering
if drywall dust is biodegradable and / or will it harm the environment if we
clean a shop vac filter outside with drywall dust in the filter - does it
absorb back into the soil correctly."

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US Composting Council

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_______________________________________
Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show
January 26-29th, 2009 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, TX.
The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting and organics recycling industry.
Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website: www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 
______________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________
This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC).
(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved

Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or the Board of Directors.

Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm 

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