Drywall is recyclable in Metro Vancouver, but the recycler wants proof that older board is asbestos-free. The asbestos risk is in the joint compound and texture coat, not the board itself. Trash King never takes asbestos in any bin.
Why 1990 is the cutoff
Metro Vancouver says drywall installed before 1990 may have asbestos in the tape and joint compound. New West Gypsum Recycling sorts loads into two groups: dated 1990 and after (plus cut-ends), or before 1990 and undated. That date is the first thing to check before you book a drywall bin or a drop-off.
How to find the date stamp
Look for a printed stamp that is black, blue or purple. Acceptable date stamps are never green. The stamp can sit on the front, back or edge of the board. A real stamp shows a year, month and day, though the format can vary. If you are unsure, New West Gypsum’s British Columbia page (nwgypsum.com/british-columbia) shows photos of marks that are not date stamps.
Drywall dated 1990 or newer
Board dated 1990 or newer, and cut-ends, can go forward when the load is consistent throughout (same colour and condition) and you complete a Declaration and Acknowledgment form. One undated sheet makes the whole load count as undated, so sort carefully before you load.
Before 1990 or no stamp: test first
Test the joint compound and the texture coat. The report has to name those materials, not just “drywall.” Metro Vancouver advises having a qualified person take the samples and an accredited laboratory do the analysis.
Homeowners follow New West Gypsum’s sampling steps and bring a non-detect report plus the homeowner declaration and summary table. Contractors bring a Hazardous Building Materials Investigation report or summary table showing drywall-related components are non-detect for asbestos. Bring a paper copy that shows where the samples came from and the property address. New West Gypsum keeps a list of testing labs and abatement companies for convenience (not an endorsement), so call them for the current list.
Why the paperwork matters
A load that does not meet the rules is turned away and documented on a Load Rejection Form. The declaration lists a minimum $10,000 liability plus clean-up costs for a wrong declaration, and New West Gypsum can ban a customer. The form also asks for the full street address and city where the drywall came from.
If the test finds asbestos
New West Gypsum needs a clearance letter that meets WorkSafeBC (WCB) requirements, or an undertaking signed by a qualified person stating that asbestos-contaminated materials remain in place and undisturbed. Trash King does not do asbestos. Asbestos is never allowed in a Trash King bin, and its removal needs special bins, permits and licences.
Where a Trash King bin fits
Our drywall bins take board date stamped 1990 or newer, or older or undated board with a lab report showing no asbestos. Drywall goes in its own bin. See our drywall page and our drywall disposal and recycling guide.
A bin on your driveway or yard needs no permit. Some cities need a permit for a bin on the street, boulevard or lane, so check with your City before you book. If yours does, tell us any permit dates and we time delivery to match.
FAQ
What year of drywall can have asbestos? Metro Vancouver says drywall installed before 1990 may have asbestos in the tape and joint compound.
Where do I find the date stamp? Look for a black, blue or purple stamp on the front, back or edge. It should show a year, month and day. Green marks are not acceptable date stamps.
What does New West Gypsum need for undated drywall from a homeowner? A non-detect lab report for the joint compound and texture coat, plus the homeowner declaration and summary table, with a paper copy that shows sample locations and the property address.
What happens if my declaration is wrong? The load can be rejected. The declaration lists a minimum $10,000 liability plus clean-up costs, and New West Gypsum can ban a customer.
Can drywall with asbestos go in a Trash King bin? No. Asbestos never goes in any Trash King bin. Its removal needs special bins, permits and licences through a licensed contractor.