Danish Gypsum Recycling Program
In recent decades, Europe has been actively engaged in the problems of recycling and recycling of building materials, one of the first places in the list of which is occupied by gypsum materials. In 2001, a large-scale gypsum waste collection operation was launched in Denmark, with trucks with cranes and grab buckets serving about 500 collection points across the country. Specially designed gypsum waste containers by Recycling International were placed on the streets, reaching 75% of all gypsum consumers. Gypsum waste collection systems were installed in all recycling centers. A big role in the success of the program was played by its support by large client companies engaged in construction and demolition. For the program's customers, the cost savings for recycling amounted to about 25%.
As a result of this activity, more than 80% of all gypsum waste was recycled in Denmark over a five-year period, which was the highest rate in the world. There is no ban on dumping gypsum waste in landfills in the country, and the program's clients use it solely because of its economic and environmental benefits. Two of the largest drywall manufacturers in Denmark, Knauf and Saint Gobain, accept recycled gypsum powder for use in the production of drywall boards.
The famous Turning Torso skyscraper in Malmo (Sweden) is one of the clients of the Danish gypsum recycling program. The Turning Torso building was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and officially opened in 2005. When completed, the building became the tallest in Scandinavia, the tallest residential building in the EU and the second tallest residential building in Europe, after the 264-meter Moscow Triumph Palace. The building consists of nine segments — five-story pentagons that "rotate" as they rise; the uppermost segment is rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the first floor. Each floor of the Turning Torso consists of an irregular pentagonal shape revolving around a vertical rod that is supported by an external steel structure. The lower two segments are designed for offices. There are 147 luxury apartments in segments three through nine.
Thanks to the Danish building materials recycling program, Turning Torso has become not only a marvel of advanced architecture, but also one of the most environmentally friendly skyscrapers in Europe. During the construction of Turning Torso, all contractors were required to sort their waste. Waste from various contractors varied significantly, including metal, drywall, wood, and plastic materials. During the construction, the maximum amount of used building materials, mainly gypsum, was sent for recycling. Several hundred tons of drywall were recycled during the project.
Source: http://www.gypsumrecycling.biz/