How to Dispose of Plasterboard with L&S Waste Management

In our climate-conscious era, most materials are reprocessed or recycled at the end of their lifespan. However, some non-biodegradable waste materials require special handling and cannot be disposed of in landfill or recycled without following specific procedures. Plasterboard is one such material. Here, we discuss the safest and most suitable way to dispose of plasterboard and explain why it’s challenging to recycle or put into landfill.

Why is Plasterboard Difficult to Recycle or Landfill?

Plasterboard contains gypsum, a raw material that, when mixed with biodegradable waste, can produce a highly toxic gas called hydrogen sulphide. This gas can significantly pollute the air and have a major environmental impact, making it crucial to handle plasterboard waste properly.

Rules and Regulations

Plasterboard is one of the most versatile construction materials, with approximately 3 million tonnes used annually in UK construction. To mitigate the environmental impact of gypsum waste, the Environment Agency has established guidelines for its disposal.

Previously, the Environment Agency allowed construction waste containing small amounts of gypsum to be sent to landfill under the “10% rule." However, this rule was removed to prevent gypsum waste from being mixed with biodegradable waste at landfill sites. Although gypsum is generally non-hazardous, it must be “deposited in a separate cell away from any biodegradable wastes” to prevent the production of toxic hydrogen sulphide gas.

How to Dispose of Plasterboard Waste

For construction, refurbishment, or demolition projects involving plasterboard removal, grab hire and muck away services are the most effective disposal methods. These services ensure that plasterboard waste is collected separately from other waste, as required by the Environment Agency.

Depending on the condition of the plasterboard waste, it will be reused, recycled, or disposed of in the most suitable manner, ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations.

L&S Waste Management is Here to Help

If you need to dispose of plasterboard, contact the experts at L&S Waste Management. We offer first-class grab hire services, including tipper hire and muck away, throughout Hampshire and West Sussex. Serving both domestic and commercial customers, we tailor our services to meet the exact requirements of each job, regardless of size or scale.

To learn more about our services or to arrange an appointment, please get in touch with our friendly team.