Why Can't Plasterboard Go in My Skip?

If you’re planning a home renovation or construction project, you might be wondering why plasterboard can’t go in your skip. While it may seem like just another type of waste, plasterboard has specific disposal regulations due to its environmental impact. Here’s everything you need to know about why plasterboard is restricted and how to dispose of it properly.

Plasterboard is made primarily of gypsum, which when it is mixed with organic waste such as in a landfill it breaks down and produces hydrogen sulphide. This is a toxic gas that has a strong rotten egg smell and can be hazardous in landfill conditions.

With a large amount of waste throughout the UK now being diverted to Refuse derived fuels it seems this may be an alternative route of disposal, however this is designed for high energy, combustible general waste. Not only does plasterboard contain a large amount of non-combustible mineral content, when burned gypsum can release sulphur dioxide along side hydrogen sulphide. Alongside the strong rotten egg smell produced by the hydrogen sulphide, Sulphur dioxide contributes to acid rain and air pollution. Waste-to-energy plants have strict regulations on emissions. Burning gypsum-based materials like plasterboard can cause compliance issues due to excessive sulphur emissions, leading to potential environmental fines or shutdowns.

Because of the risks associated with gypsum, UK landfill regulations classify plasterboard as non-mixed waste. This means it must be separated from general waste and disposed of in designated recycling facilities rather than standard landfill sites. Prior to the Environment Agency changing legislation in 2009, gypsum was allowed to go in a mixed waste skip as long as it was less that 10% of the total waste. Since the legislation has changed the Environmental agencies have introduced strict rules on how plasterboard should be disposed of. If you mix it with other waste in a general skip, the entire load could be deemed non-compliant, resulting in additional disposal costs to cover manual sorting.

When plasterboard is collected separately it is highly recyclable. The plasterboard can be processed into new plasterboard, this involves breaking it down into a powder and mixing with new gypsum. It is also commonly used as fertiliser and compost, it has many benefits such as providing calcium and sulphur to the soil.

While it might seem inconvenient, avoiding plasterboard in your general skip is crucial for legal compliance and environmental protection. Check with your waste provider for the best disposal options, and consider recycling to minimise waste.