How to Dispose of Drywall Waste in Surrey? Here’s What to Do
If you’re renovating or running a construction project in Surrey, dispose of drywall properly. It protects the environment and keeps you within the law. British Columbia has strict rules, and improper disposal can lead to fines. Knowing your options saves time and money—and helps protect the environment.
Why Proper Drywall Disposal Matters asbestos
Environmental Protection and Safety Concerns
Drywall, also known as gypsum board or sheetrock, poses significant environmental risks when improperly disposed of. The material is mainly gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) wrapped in paper. In landfills, it can release hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs and can harm your health.. This gas can reach dangerous concentrations, with some landfills recording levels up to 12,000 parts per million, far exceeding safe exposure limits.
Legal Requirements and Penalties
In Metro Vancouver, including Surrey, all drywall is banned from regular garbage disposal. The City of Surrey actively enforces these regulations and has documented issues with unauthorized dumping on city roads, boulevards, and ditches. When illegal dumping occurs, taxpayers bear the cleanup costs, and violators face significant fines. The city requires builders, developers, and residents to find authorized disposal methods for all drywall waste.
Health Hazards from Older Materials
Drywall installed before 1990 may contain asbestos in the tape and mud compounds, creating serious health risks during removal and disposal. When working with old drywall, take extra care and arrange testing before you disturb it. Even new drywall can release dust that irritates the eyes, nose, and lungs. Proper handling and disposal protect public health.
Can You Throw Drywall in the Garbage? Recycling
Absolute Prohibition in Surrey
No, you cannot throw drywall in regular garbage in Surrey or anywhere else in Metro Vancouver. This ban has been in effect for years due to the environmental hazards drywall creates in landfills. The City of Vancouver banned drywall from landfill disposal as early as 1990 because of hydrogen sulfide production issues.
Why Regular Disposal Doesn’t Work
Regular garbage collection systems are not equipped to handle drywall safely. The material is heavy, bulky, and requires special processing to prevent environmental contamination. Drywall makes up about 30% of debris in a typical home demolition and about 15% of all construction and demolition waste. That’s why strong disposal systems are essential.
Consequences of Improper Disposal
Attempting to dispose of drywall through regular garbage can result in:
- Immediate rejection by waste collection services
- Fines from municipal authorities
- Environmental contamination charges
- Cleanup costs passed to taxpayers
- Potential health risks to waste management workers
How to Dispose of Drywall in Surrey recycling depot
Metro Vancouver Transfer Stations
Surrey residents have access to two Metro Vancouver recycling and waste centres:
North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre (9770 192 Street) accepts separated drywall with specific requirements and fees based on material type and weight.
Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre provides similar services with designated areas for different waste types.
Both facilities require you to separate materials and charge by weight. As of 2025, new gypsum costs $150 per tonne, with a $15 minimum fee. You can drop separated drywall at either site once your paperwork is ready. Look for the clearly signed waste drop areas to keep traffic moving and staff safe.
Professional Waste Management Services
For larger renovation projects or when convenience is important, professional waste management services offer comprehensive drywall disposal solutions. Premier Site Services offers reliable bin rentals in multiple sizes for construction waste and debris. We also handle drywall disposal for renovation and construction projects across the Lower Mainland.
How to Dispose of Drywall Properly drop
Preparation and Separation Requirements
Before disposal, drywall must be properly prepared and separated from other materials. Clean drywall should be free from nails, screws, and other metal fasteners. Different types of drywall require different handling:
New Drywall (Post-1990): Requires date stamp verification and signed declaration forms. Material must be easily accessible for inspection and free from tape, mud, paint, or texture coating.
Used Drywall: Must be double-bagged in 6-mil thick plastic bags using the gooseneck sealing method. Each bag should be individually sealed with duct tape and labeled appropriately.
Testing and Documentation
For drywall installed before 1990, asbestos testing is mandatory before disposal. Many facilities will not accept older drywall without proper asbestos clearance certificates. Testing must be performed by certified laboratories, and documentation must accompany all disposal attempts. If you suspect asbestos, stop work and get a sample tested by a qualified lab.
Recycling Through Specialized Facilities
Surrey residents have several recycling options for gypsum board. The primary recycling destination for Surrey’s drywall is New West Gypsum Recycling, located at 38 Vulcan Street in New Westminster. This facility specializes in processing clean drywall for reuse, separating gypsum from paper components. The recycled gypsum becomes raw material for new drywall manufacturing, with new wallboards typically containing 15-20% recycled content.
Why Choose a Professional Waste Management Service?
Expertise in Regulatory Compliance
Professional services understand the complex regulations surrounding drywall disposal in British Columbia. We handle proper documentation, testing requirements, and facility compliance, ensuring your waste meets all legal requirements without risk of rejection or fines.
Safety and Health Protection
Trained professionals have proper equipment and knowledge to handle potentially hazardous materials safely. We follow WorkSafe BC guidelines for asbestos handling and use appropriate protective equipment to prevent exposure risks.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Professional services have upfront costs. But they often save more than rejected loads, extra hauling, fines, or health risks from improper handling. At Premier Site Services, we offer transparent pricing and flexible bin sizes to match your project needs without paying for unused capacity.
Environmental Responsibility
Professional waste management companies prioritize recycling and environmental protection. Premier Site Services shows its commitment to greener waste practices with 100% recyclable bins. We also donate to reforestation with every bin rental.
Convenience and Efficiency
Professional services handle pickup, transportation, documentation, and disposal, allowing you to focus on your renovation or construction project. Premier Site Services offers same-day delivery when available and 24/7 support. We tailor solutions for any project—from small home renovations to large construction sites.
Comprehensive Service Options
Many professional services offer additional benefits including:
- Multiple bin sizes for different project scales
- Fast delivery and pickup scheduling
- Proper handling of mixed construction waste
- Expert guidance on disposal requirements
- Cleanup support for project areas
- Reliable service with over a decade of experience
Surrey’s drywall disposal requirements reflect broader environmental protection goals across British Columbia. Use proper disposal methods through municipal facilities, recycling programs, or a professional like Premier Site Services. This protects the environment and keeps you compliant with the law. The investment in proper disposal protects public health, preserves Surrey’s environment, and supports sustainable construction practices throughout the region.
Serving Surrey and the Lower Mainland, Premier Site Services offers safe, eco-friendly drywall disposal. Our team has the equipment and know-how to handle your construction waste quickly and responsibly.
