CLOSING THE LOOP ON CEILING TILE WASTE
EnviroTile is National Ceiling Systems’ ceiling tile recycling program. When a building’s ceiling is replaced with NCS tiles, we collect the old mineral fibre tiles (any brand), process them at an approved facility, and turn them into a blended product for agricultural and landscaping use. Collection is available nationwide with no minimum quantity, and every project receives a waste report and certificate.
Once a project is registered and its tiles have passed testing, NCS manages the program end to end – from collection logistics through to finished product. This page sets out how the loop works, and what site teams need to do at each stage.
EnviroTile is available on projects where old ceiling tiles are being replaced with new NCS tiles. It’s part of our supply, not a rubbish removal service.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Which tiles are accepted?
Mineral fibre tiles of any brand that are dry and uncontaminated. Vinyl-faced, damaged and asbestos-containing tiles aren’t. Find out more about which tiles are accepted for recycling.
How much does it cost?
From $200 per pallet, depending on state: check the recycling cost for your ceiling tiles here.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, every project receives a waste report and certificate. See more about what certificates and reports you’ll receive as part of the ceiling tile recycling recycling program.
How should tiles be removed?
Carefully, separated from grid and insulation, then stacked 250 per pallet. See the full removal guide here.
Is it recycling or repurposing?
Technically repurposing: tiles become a new agricultural product rather than new ceiling tiles.
WASTE DIVERSION
Removed tiles are kept out of landfill and given a beneficial second working life.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Recovered material is refined and re-enters the supply chain as a new product.
SUSTAINABLE REUSE
Mixed with amendments into a high-value agricultural product.
HOW THE LOOP WORKS
01 PROGRAM APPLICATION
A client registers interest in the EnviroTile recycling program.
NCS reviews project suitability and ascertains the type of tiles to be used in replacement works. If approved, a project checklist and requirements are issued.
02 ASSESSMENT & TESTING
Ceiling tile samples are collected from site. Tiles are tested to ensure they meet reuse and environmental compliance standards. This testing confirms suitability for recycling into agricultural products.
No bulk collection is permitted until testing has been completed, and product approved, by NCS.
03 REMOVAL & ON-SITE HANDLING
Tiles must be removed carefully to minimise breakage and contamination.
Separate tiles from grid systems, insulation and other debris. Keep tiles as clean as reasonably possible.
04 PACKAGING & PALLETISATION
- Pack 250 tiles per pallet.
- Stack tiles neatly on pallets,
- Keep flat and stable, and
- Free from excessive contamination.
Pallets must be secured to prevent movement during transport. Shrink wrap should be avoided; instead, loads should be stabilised using a minimal number of plastic straps or rope. Use edge protectors where required.
05 COLLECTION & TRANSPORT
NCS arranges an approved logistics partner to collect tiles from site, and transfer to the processing facility.
- NSW, ACT, VIC & QLD – $200/plt
- SA & TAS – $350/plt
- WA – $450/plt
Site team are responsible to ensure:
- Pallets are easily accessible,
- Located in a safe area, and
- A clear site contact is provided.
06 PROCESSING & RECOVERY
At the processing facility:
- Tiles are broken down and separated into reusable material streams
- Contaminants are removed
- Base material is refined for reuse
07 PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT
Recovered material is blended with proprietary amendments. This transforms the recycled tiles into a high-value agricultural and landscaping product.
08 REUSE & SUSTAINABILITY
The final EnviroTile product is used across agricultural and landscaping industries. This supports:
- Waste diversion from landfill,
- Circular economy initiatives, and
- Sustainable material reuse.