Drywall No Longer Accepted at CVRD Recycling Centres Due to Safety Concerns

Duncan, BC – Effective Monday, December 18, 2017 Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Recycling Centres will no longer accept drywall due to health and safety concerns associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos can be found in drywall mud and tape and is common in buildings built prior to 1990.

Exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. This is why WorkSafe BC has strict rules for the demolition and disposal of drywall, as well as other materials that may contain asbestos.

Annually, the CVRD serves over 200,000 customers at its three recycling centres. Compared to other recycling services provided, the drywall portion of the operation is small. However, the amount of CVRD resources required to manage drywall has been significant.

Starting on December 18, 2017 customers with drywall will be directed to private waste facilities that have the resources to manage drywall appropriately. Drywall that is asbestos-free may be disposed of at the facilities listed below. To be certified as asbestos-free, drywall must be date-stamped 1990 or later or be accompanied by a laboratory certificate.

Coast Environmental Ltd., Duncan

3015 Boys Road

T: 250.746.4573

Hours: Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Coast Environmental Ltd., Chemainus

9401 Trans Canada Hwy

T: 250.246.3216

Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fisher Road Recycling, Cobble Hill

1355 Fisher Road

T: 250.733.2108

Hours: Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Asbestos-contaminated drywall or other asbestos-contaminated material may be disposed of at the Duncan Coast Environmental facility listed above or the Cedar Road Landfill in Nanaimo listed below. Residents must contact facilities prior to drop-off to ensure receiving requirements are met.

Cedar Road Regional Landfill

1105 Cedar Road, Nanaimo
T: 250.722.2044
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information on asbestos and materials that may contain asbestos, visit: www.cvrd.bc.ca/asbestos-kills.