Plasterboard Disposal: Why It Must Be Kept Separate

Plasterboard waste comes from stud wall construction and removal, ceiling replacement, loft conversions, extensions, partitioning in offices and shops, and offcuts from dry-lining on new builds. Gypsum plaster, coving and plaster skim can also fall into this category.

Tell us about plasterboard when you request a quote. Depending on the supplier, it may be accepted in separate bags placed in your skip, in a dedicated plasterboard skip, or as a separate collection. For small amounts, a 4 yard skip used only for plasterboard can work; on larger projects, a dedicated 6 yard skip alongside your general builders’ skip keeps streams clean. Arrangements and any additional charges vary by supplier and are confirmed at booking.

Gypsum is a sulphate-based material. In landfill, when it breaks down alongside biodegradable waste, it can release hydrogen sulphide – a toxic and foul-smelling gas. For this reason, gypsum waste must go to suitable cells or, better still, be recycled. Mixing plasterboard into a general or mixed construction skip contaminates the load and can lead to the skip being rejected or charged extra.

Clean plasterboard is typically processed at specialist facilities that separate the paper lining from the gypsum core. The recovered gypsum can then be used in new plasterboard, cement manufacture or agricultural applications. Boards contaminated with tiles, insulation or heavy paint are harder to recycle, so remove fixings and keep the board as clean and dry as possible.