[USCC] drywall dust

Tue May 20 10:30:25 CDT 2008

In Kansas we have had several operations want to incorporate drywall into
their composting operations.  As long as it is a small percentage and
ground fine, it seems to disappear without harming the process.  The
problem comes in if the drywall is in too large a quantity or not
incorporated properly and the compost is wet (anaerobic).  Hydrogen sulfide
gas (rotten egg smell) is the result.  The nose can detect the odor before
it becomes toxic but does not differentiate between that level and the
toxic level.  We have had problems at two sites where they actually had to
bury in a landfill a significant portion of their compost because of the
H2S problem.

Small amounts of dust like they are talking about can be spread on the
ground and when worked in will probably not cause a problem.  They would
need to be sure it is a thin layer and that the ground was not already
alkaline.  They should probably check with their local extension agent for
information.

Ken Powell
Environmental Scientist
SW Processing Facilities and Planning Unit
Kansas Department of Health & Environment
Bureau of Waste Management
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320
Topeka, KS  66612-1366
Phone: (785) 296-1121
Fax: (785) 296-1592
E-mail  kpowell at kdhe.state.ks.us
www.kdheks.gov/waste

             "Mike Archer, MJA                                             
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                                       [USCC]  drywall dust                

             05/19/2008 01:18                                              
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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."

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
US Composting Council

1010 North 13th St.

Allentown, PA 18102

phone: 484-547-1521

fax: 484-274-6779

HYPERLINK "mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org"cary at compostingcouncil.org
USCC Main Office:

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phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

Join us at the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
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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.
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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
______________________________________________________________________________

Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost
_______________________________________
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

Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their
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