Plasterboard / Gypsum
Plasterboard waste management
Why is legislation important?
Importantly, plasterboard gypsum waste is not general waste and there is a total ban on the disposal of plasterboard waste at mixed waste landfills. Firstly to be legally compliant, RTS Waste have the correct waste licence to collect this waste type. Secondly RTS provide a 100% recycling plasterboard service, because the materials are processed into gypsum powder, back into new manufacturing. Equally important you will receive a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) to confirm Duty of Care. RTS Waste management provide plasterboard / gypsum collection services across London and Kent.
In order to responsibly dispose of waste plasterboard, RTS Waste will arrange separate containers. In fact the containers maybe a Roll On Roll Off, Skip, Wheeled Bin, or for small amounts RTS Waste recommends a dumpy bag which is a 1 cubic metre bag that is as cheap as £5 + vat. This bag can hold up to 200kg of plasterboard.
What happens to plasterboard waste?
In fact this raw material can be 100% recycled into some of the following products:
- Key ingredient in cement.
- Alternative material to make blocks and bricks.
- Compost when growing mushrooms.
- Farmers can use it to improve soil quality.
Is plasterboard gypsum waste considered hazardous waste?
Furthermore the material is classified as non-hazardous and in most circumstances the sulphate in plasterboard does not pose a threat. However, there is a potential risk when the material breaks down in landfills because while breaking down, hydrogen sulphide gas could be created and released. Consequently this gas is dangerous.
What does the environmental agency say about plasterboard waste?
In the first place you need to dispose of waste plasterboard in a responsible and legally compliant manner. Together with the Environmental Agency which states the following:
- Firstly there is a total ban on the disposal of plasterboard waste at mixed waste landfills.
- In light of the previous 10% rule now gone; the regulations that apply now is a zero tolerance policy.
- Obligation for Household Waste Recycling Centres, construction & demolition contractors and transfer/sorting facilities to segregate plasterboard waste.
- Obligation to try to recycle and treat as much of the waste as possible.
