Gypsum plasterboard deconstruction to recycling economic study in Europe

Abstract

Gypsum plasterboard are widely and increasingly used within the construction sector, as partitions, lining of walls, ceiling or flooring systems, representing consequently the largest proportion of the recyclable gypsum waste arisen nowadays in Europe. This paper studies the reverse logistics processes taking place in the End-of-Life (EoL) phase of the recyclable gypsum plasterboard, by analysing and discussing the existing business model for the distinct gypsum waste routes, either deconstruction or demolition, based on economic parameters and assumptions from a set of case studies where best deconstruction practices have been implemented. This analysis has been developed in the framework of the European Life+ GtoG Project ENV/BE/001039: “From Production to Recycling, a Circular Economy for the European Gypsum Industry with the Demolition and Recycling Industry”. The study highlights the need for an effective deconstruction process to optimize the plasterboard waste recycling, as well as the impact that taxes charged to the disposal of construction and demolition waste have on the economics from deconstruction to recycling. © SGEM2015.