Disposing of plasterboard safely

Plasterboard is a widely used construction material utilised for things such as internal ceilings and walls due to its ease of use, low flammability and acoustic qualities. Approximately 270 million m2 of plasterboard is produced, distributed and used in the UK each year.

Today’s construction industry is increasingly aware of things that could impact the environment and actively encourages reuse and recycling of materials. But when renovation work is taking place, walls are often ripped down and the remnants need to be disposed of.

SAFE DISPOSAL OF PLASTERBOARD

Plasterboard must be disposed of correctly to ensure there are no ill effects. Plasterboard contains gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, so if plasterboard is disposed alongside biodegradable wastes it can lead to the production of odorous and toxic hydrogen sulphide gas. The current plasterboard waste management regulations state that plasterboard has to be disposed of separately to prevent this.

RECYCLE

Plasterboard should be recycled wherever possible. The gypsum can be separated from the other materials to enable the individual parts to be recycled back into raw materials for reuse. Recycling is important and advantageous because it reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and produces a useful resalable product. Gypsum itself is a finite resource. By recycling plasterboard, we’ll reduce the demand for new gypsum, preserving this mineral for future generations.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Recycling plasterboard requires less energy compared to producing new plasterboard from raw materials. This energy efficiency contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change. 

SUPPORTS CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Plasterboard recycling is a key component of a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled and repurposed. By recycling plasterboard, we promote the concept of circularity, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimising waste generation.

DOMESTIC USERS

Most Household Waste Recycling Centres will offer a plasterboard disposal or recycling service. You’ll need to separate other materials such as wood from your unwanted plasterboard and deposit it in the designated area. Check in advance which facilities in your area offer this service and choose a recycling option if available.

BUSINESS USERS

Small businesses that produce a large amount of gypsum-based waste should try to find a local plasterboard recycling centre or hire a plasterboard-only skip. Recycling plasterboard is a practical alternative to the waste going to landfill and a good way to boost your business’ green credentials. Diverting your waste from landfill can also offer financial benefits as it may reduce your landfill tax liabilities and enable you to get tax credits if your waste is recycled, incinerated or reused.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Larger construction projects must adhere to stricter regulations on their construction and demolition waste. If your project requires a Site Waste Management Plan, how to dispose of your plasterboard will form an important part of it.

It is your responsibility to only pass your waste on to someone who is an authorised carrier. This is where TJ comes in. We specialise in commercial waste management, including assisting with Site Waste Management Plans and we can tailor a service to suit your business’ exact needs to ensure everything is taken care of.

SKIP HIRE

If you’re doing a small or medium-sized project involving the removal of plasterboard, TJ can supply you with a plasterboard-only skip – get in touch for more information on this service. Please note that this is not a standard skip hire, so you will need to get in touch with us to book. A plasterboard-only skip will allow you to dispose of your plasterboard safely as it will not be mixed with any other waste. When you’ve finished, we’ll remove the skip and take the contents to be recycled.

We have a range of skip sizes from 2 to 35 yard, so there’s one to suit every project. The individual skip pages contain information on the dimensions and capacity volumes of each skip to give you all the information you need. For mixed waste skip hire, you can simply input your postcode and get an instant online quote! You can then book your skip to arrive as quickly as the next working day if ordered by midday and subject to availability.

Give us a call on 08000 463 964 to discuss your plasterboard disposal needs in more detail or find out more about our range of waste management services…