As a commonly used material in construction and renovation projects, plasterboard is in constant demand due to its lightweight and versatile nature. However, if mishandled and disposed of incorrectly, this material poses several risks to the environment and human health. Homeowners, construction businesses and waste disposal companies must understand their role in the correct disposal of plasterboard to protect public health and our shared environment.
This blog will focus on the importance of proper plasterboard disposal, highlighting the associated environmental and health risks of improper handling. We will delve into UK regulations governing plasterboard disposal, outlining the necessary steps for compliance. Additionally, we’ll discuss various disposal options, including the use of skips and recycling.
What is plasterboard, and why must it be disposed of correctly?
Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a widely used construction material made by pressing calcium sulphate dihydrate, commonly referred to as gypsum, between thick sheets of paper or fibreglass mats. It serves as a modern alternative to traditional plaster and lath construction. Plasterboard is lightweight, easy to work with and can be cut to fit specific dimensions. It is typically fixed directly onto wooden or metal studwork, or attached to masonry, using screws or adhesive to create internal walls, partitions and ceilings.
While it’s generally safe when in place, disposal of plasterboard can be hazardous, as this type of waste poses several environmental and health risks associated with improper handling. If plasterboard is not separated from biodegradable waste when disposed of in landfills, certain bacteria break down the gypsum, producing hydrogen sulphide gas (H₂S). Hydrogen sulphide is a toxic, flammable gas identifiable by its ‘rotten egg’ smell. The release of this gas poses several issues:
- Health risks – inhalation of hydrogen sulphide can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea and eye discomfort. At higher concentrations, it can be life-threatening, causing serious respiratory damage and even death.
- Environmental impact – hydrogen sulphide contributes to air pollution, creating undesirable odours in communities located near landfills.
Regulations relating to the safe disposal of plasterboard
In the UK, the disposal of plasterboard is regulated by the Environmental Agency. The legislation outlines the following key guidelines:
- Segregated landfill disposal – since 2009, the agency has banned the disposal of biodegradable waste with plasterboard in landfills. Following this, most landfill sites now have specific areas for plasterboard disposal to ensure compliance with this regulation.
- Use of authorised disposal – plasterboard must be disposed of at licensed facilities that are authorised to handle gypsum-based materials.
- Asbestos-contaminated plasterboard – older plasterboard containing asbestos is classed as hazardous waste, and can only be handled and disposed of at authorised hazardous waste facilities.
- Duty of care – anyone handling plasterboard must use licensed waste carriers to transport the material, ensure that it is correctly disposed of at an authorised facility, and keep waste transfer notes.
Can plasterboard go in a skip?
Different skip hire companies have different policies on plasterboard disposal. Some will allow you to put plasterboard in a general or mixed waste skip, so long as it is segregated from other waste via a dedicated bag or compartment within the skip. Others, like Rabbit Skip Hire, may provide plasterboard-only skips or skip bags to ease the segregation process, especially for projects where a lot of plasterboard waste is expected. In all cases, the plasterboard must be covered from rain and kept away from humid conditions.
| Read our blog What can and can’t go in a skip? for further guidance on waste disposal. |
Can you put plasterboard in a mixed waste skip?
Some skip hire companies, including Rabbit Skip Hire, do not permit plasterboard in mixed waste skips at all. They might ask you to hire a separate skip destined for specific materials only, or charge additional fees to handle it properly.
What happens if I put plasterboard in a skip?
It is important to confirm with your skip hire provider whether they allow plasterboard and how it should be disposed of. If you don’t follow their instructions, the skip company could reject the waste or charge extra fees for sorting and disposing of it separately. Moreover, disposing of plasterboard alongside general waste is illegal under UK regulations. If discovered, improper disposal could lead to fines from the Environment Agency or your local council.
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Rabbit Skip Hire is fully registered with the Environmental Agency under the Control of Pollution Act 1989. We accept plasterboard in mixed waste skips where it has been separated from other types of waste. To comply with regulations and ensure proper disposal, we require that plasterboard is placed in a designated bag or compartment within the skip. If you’re unsure about how to segregate your waste properly, our team is available to provide guidance and support: Call us: 01903 762020 Email us: info@rabbitgroup.co.uk |
Can you burn plasterboard?
Burning plasterboard is strictly prohibited by the UK Environmental Agency due to the release of toxic gases, including sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. This means that plasterboard waste must not be incinerated either by individuals or at general waste incineration facilities.
Can you recycle plasterboard?
The Environment Agency promotes recycling of plasterboard as an alternative to landfill disposal. Many waste management companies and recycling centres now accept plasterboard to be recycled into new products.
Local councils and authorised waste management companies often charge for handling and processing plasterboard, classed as non-household waste, to cover the costs of transportation, correct separation and recycling. The fees can vary by council, with some offering free disposal for small quantities, while others charge a fixed rate for any amount of plasterboard. If you’re disposing of plasterboard as a business (e.g., as a contractor or builder), you may face higher fees at waste facilities, as this type of waste is often considered ‘trade waste’. Formulating a site waste management plan before demolition begins will enable you to plan ahead for correct plasterboard disposal and recycling.
Environmental benefits
Recycling the gypsum found in plasterboard reduces the need for mining new gypsum, and uses less energy compared to processing raw materials.
By turning old plasterboard into new products, such as cement additives, soil conditioners and industrial fillers, materials are reused instead of discarded, thereby creating a more circular economy. This in turn reduces the strain on landfills, conserves resources and contributes to a more sustainable construction industry.
Safeguarding human health and the environment
By adhering to UK regulations and ensuring plasterboard is correctly segregated and disposed of, we can mitigate the risks of harmful gas emissions and reduce landfill waste. Recycling plasterboard not only prevents pollution but also promotes sustainability by conserving natural resources and lowering carbon emissions associated with gypsum extraction.
As individuals and businesses, we have a responsibility to manage our waste responsibly, and checking with local authorities or waste management services for specific instructions is the first step. By choosing recycling options and compliant disposal methods, we contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for future generations.
FAQs
Why can’t you put plasterboard in a skip?
You can place plasterboard in a general waste or mixed waste skip if it is properly separated from other waste. Many skip hire companies have strict policies regarding the disposal of plasterboard due to its potential environmental impact. Therefore, it’s essential to check with your skip provider for specific guidelines and ensure that plasterboard is kept separate to avoid additional fees or rejection of the load.
How much does it cost to dispose of plasterboard in the UK?
The cost of disposing of plasterboard varies significantly depending on the local council or authorised waste disposal facility. Some locations may not charge for small amounts of plasterboard, while others might impose fees starting at around £4 per bag at household waste recycling centres. For larger quantities classified as trade waste, disposal should be handled by an authorised plasterboard disposal company, which may have higher fees to cover the proper separation and processing of the material.
Why is plasterboard considered hazardous in landfills?
Plasterboard contains gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate). When mixed with biodegradable waste, it can produce hydrogen sulphide gas (H₂S), a toxic and flammable substance. The release of this gas poses several health risks, including respiratory issues and potential poisoning, as well as contributing to environmental pollution.
How can you recycle plasterboard?
The gypsum within plasterboard can be repurposed to create a variety of products, including industrial fillers used in items like soil conditioners, which improve soil structure and nutrient retention, and paints. Additionally, recycled gypsum is often used to manufacture new plasterboard and cement additives in the construction industry.
Rabbit Skip Hire:
Rabbit Skip Hire is an established and expert supplier of skips for commercial and domestic projects of all sizes throughout East and West Sussex.
To find out more about Rabbit Skip Hire’s reliable and expert skip hire contact our expert and friendly team on 01903 762020, email info@rabbitgroup.co.uk or fill out our online skip hire contact form.
Rabbit Skip Hire is part of The Rabbit Group of companies, which includes Rabbit Demolition.
