Plasterboard Disposal and Recycling

The first plant to manufacture plasterboard in the UK opened in 1888. Sackett Board, the first model of plasterboard, was invented by Augustine Sackett and Fred Kane in 1894. It was later developed into gypsum board more than thirty years later.

This was adopted by a US corporation that later introduced Sheetrock. The patent for plasterboard was traded over through the decades and given many different names. It was adapted each time for efficiency and to provide a quicker alternative to lath and plaster.

Plasterboard is a type of panel commonly used in wall construction, also known as drywall. It’s made of gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) that’s processed or pressed into a board and has a paper covering added.

The gypsum used to create plasterboard can be either natural or synthetic. Naturally, gypsum is derived from rock mined in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Sussex. It’s made of calcium sulphate and water. Synthetically, it’s a by-product of industrial processes –commonly, flue-gas desulphurisation of power station emissions.

No, plasterboard is actually a type of non-hazardous waste. However, plasterboard is banned from landfill in the UK even though it’s not a type of hazardous waste. This is because the gypsum it contains may produce hydrogen sulphide (which is toxic) when it gets wet or mixes with biodegradables like food waste.

Yes, recycling plasterboard is the best solution in most cases. The gypsum plasterboard contains can be recovered and recycled, often used to create new plasterboard. This prevents waste plasterboard going to non-hazardous landfill cells separate from biodegradable waste, and reduces the energy required to extract new gypsum.

Plasterboard recycling solutions are available for both full and broken boards – by the sheet or the bag. So don’t worry if you’ve removed plasterboard from a building and it’s not intact – you can still recycle it.

The disposal of plasterboard in the UK must be done in line with relevant regulations. The Environment Agency passed legislation in 2009 that means plasterboard cannot be land-filled and must be separated for recycling and recovery. This applies to both individuals and businesses and means you cannot throw it away with your general waste.

To dispose of plasterboard, you should first check with your local household waste recycling centre to see if they offer plasterboard disposal and recycling. Many do and accept it by the sheet or bag. Otherwise, you can hire a skip when disposing of plasterboard in large amounts or use a licensed waste disposal company to collect smaller amounts.

For businesses, incorrect disposal of plasterboard could result in hefty fines. You must arrange commercial waste collection by a licensed waste carrier to remove plasterboard from your premises. Contact us at Business Waste today to learn how we can help you dispose of plasterboard.

To store waste plasterboard with no need for an environmental permit before it’s recovered, you must comply with a few conditions in line with the UK government regulations. These are that you:

• Store no more than 20 tonnes of waste plasterboard at one time.
• Keep the plasterboard for no longer than one month.
• Have it in a secure place and within a sealed, weatherproof container.

While plasterboard may not be hazardous alone, if it becomes wet or mixes with biodegradable waste such as sewage, manure, and food waste, it can start to putrefy. The putrefaction process releases hydrogen sulphide, which is toxic and can cause respiratory complications. This means it then classes as hazardous waste.

At best, it can produce an irritating rotten egg smell. At worst, it can cause nausea, headaches, sleep loss, tearing of the eyes, and airway problems for asthmatics. Therefore, safe disposal of plasterboard separate from biodegradable waste is essential to protect human and environmental health.

Many people and construction firms in the UK are turning to plasterboard alternatives. These can bring life to a dull room, while being easier and safer to dispose of and recycle. A few alternatives to plasterboard include:

• Wooden planks, which are entirely recyclable and biodegradable, as well as offering a rustic touch to any room.
• Exposed concrete or brick is a rapidly growing trend and can be decorated easily with shelves, paint, and living garden walls.
• 100% recyclable plasterboard that is now available with a BES6001 ‘Very Good’ Responsible Sourcing certificate from some suppliers.

A few facts about plasterboard are that:

• There are many different types of plasterboard, including standard, fireproof or fire-rated, acoustic, moisture-resistant, and impact-resistant.
• The major drywall manufacturers in the UK are British Gypsum, Knauf, and Siniat.
• Most standard plasterboard has a grey side and a brown side. This helps construction firms know the right way to place it – the grey side should face out because it’s designed for plastering.

Normally, you can take your plasterboard to your local household recycling and waste centre to get rid of it for free. Check in advance to ensure they accept plasterboard for disposal and recycling though, as not all do. Most centres will take your plasterboard for free though some businesses may be required to pay a small fee.