Plasterboard disposal

Plasterboard is a material used frequently in many construction sites as it is extremely versatile.

Due to its versatility, plasterboard is used in many commercial buildings such as warehouses, shopping centres, offices, and even domestic properties.

Previously, you could dispose of plasterboard (if the components made up less than 10% of your construction waste) in skips, but in 2009 the Environmental Agency updated the legislation, so that all plasterboard and other gypsum materials had to be separated and collected by a waste management/recycling service.

Why is Plasterboard banned from Landfill?

• It is classed as hazardous waste!
• The main ingredient in plasterboard is gypsum, a sulphate mineral mixed with water and dried to form a solid board. Due to the high sulphate content, there is a high putrefaction risk (decay).
• Plasterboard can become dangerous when disposed of with general waste, because when it gets wet, plasterboard creates a toxic gas known as hydrogen sulphide.
• Exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide can lead to significant health issues to the eyes and respiratory system.

What environmental effects does Plasterboard have on Landfills?

• It is not only harmful to us, but also our environment!
• When the hydrogen sulphide collects in the ground, it creates an invisible pool of toxic build-up which can cause major ground pollution and damage to ecosystems.
• Build-up of hydrogen sulphide can usually be identified by its ‘rotten egg’ smell.
• Plasterboard is a dangerous material if not disposed of correctly- hydrogen sulphide is poisonous to both humans and our environment and it flammable if left to build up.

How do you dispose of plasterboard correctly?

1. Separate and isolate plasterboard from the rest of your waste
2. Ensure the plasterboard waste is stored somewhere it cannot get wet and keep it covered in an air-conditioned area.
3. Minimise wastage by only ordering the amount of plasterboard you will need.
4. Handle plasterboard with care and ensure that any damaged material is disposed of and not used.
5. Get in touch with us to remove your plasterboard correctly and safely: https://www.awsnationwide.co.uk/waste-services/hazardous-waste/