Management of end-of-life gypsum in a circular economy

Abstract

Gypsum products are well suited for a circular economy, because the raw material calcium sulfate dihydrate can repeatedly change its properties through a reversible hydration reaction. However, quality postconsumer recycled gypsum can only be obtained when gypsum products are properly managed during the end-of-life stage, provided that gypsum recycling technology is used. By contrast, not properly managed gypsum waste leads to the contamination of concrete waste for recycling (when gypsum is not separately collected), and a risk of higher landfill emissions (when gypsum is sent for disposal). This is due to its noninert nature, high sulfate content, and potential paper content (the later coming from plasterboard waste). Aiming to promote the management of gypsum in a circular economy, this chapter explores the ideal conditions to produce recycled gypsum from end-of-life gypsum through three best practices considered as fundamental for it, following the investigation conducted within the European Life+ Gypsum to Gypsum Project LIFE11 ENV/BE/001039. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.