Why Can’t I Put Plasterboard in a Skip?

Highlights:

• Plasterboard, made mainly of gypsum, cannot be put in skips due to 2009 regulations banning it from landfill sites because it can produce hazardous hydrogen sulphides when wet.
• Disposal requires separating plasterboard from other waste to prevent contamination and can be done using a dedicated mini skip or at local recycling centers.
• Ensuring plasterboard is properly bagged and isolated from other debris is crucial for safe disposal.
• Woodford Recycling offers various skip hire options for responsible plasterboard disposal.

---

If you’re embarking on any construction or renovation project, you’ll likely use plasterboard at some point. You may just assume that you can toss any disused plasterboard in your skip, but this isn’t the case. With a busy building project, it’s not always possible to keep track of which waste should go where; however, it’s essential to dispose of your waste correctly, or you could be subject to fines and penalties. 

Luckily, the team here at Woodford Recycling is here to help. That’s why we’ve written this guide explaining just where your discarded plasterboard is supposed to go.

What is plasterboard?

Plasterboard, sometimes referred to as drywall, is an alternative to plaster that is typically used in internal renovation and construction projects. This panel is made from gypsum plaster and comes in many different variations and thicknesses. Plasterboard is a commonly used material because it provides a perfectly smooth surface ready for painting or plastering, as well as an additional layer of insulation.

Why can’t I put plasterboard in a skip?

In April 2009, new regulations were enforced that banned plasterboard from landfill sites — but why is this? Plasterboard looks harmless enough, right?

As mentioned above, plasterboard is mainly composed of gypsum, and this material contains high levels of sulphides. When plasterboard gets wet and mixes with other general waste, as is likely in a busy landfill where waste is not carefully monitored, a process called putrefaction occurs. This creates large quantities of hydrogen sulphides (H2S) which, aside from the unfortunate side effect of smelling like rotten eggs, can be extremely hazardous. Not only does this gas contribute towards air pollution, but it is also corrosive, toxic and highly flammable, so can pose a huge risk to human health if left unattended.

So, how can I dispose of plasterboard?

The first step in disposing of your unwanted plasterboard is to ensure that it is properly bagged up. This will protect your rubbish so that, in the event of rainy weather, putrefaction doesn’t occur. When disposing of plasterboard, the problem isn’t with the skip itself, but rather with the other waste that the plasterboard will be mixing with. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that your unwanted plasterboard is isolated away from all other debris. 

Whilst you may be able to dispose of your plasterboard at your local recycling centre, perhaps the most convenient way to get rid of it is to hire a mini skip. By opting for this solution, you can dedicate one skip solely to plasterboard, ensuring easy segregation and preventing potential contamination with other materials. You could even hire an enclosed skip for an extra layer of protection against rain. Skips also allow you the freedom to move on your own schedule, unlike if you arranged for a waste carrier to collect your plasterboard.

By taking these steps, you can have peace of mind that your plasterboard has been handled appropriately and disposed of in a responsible manner.

Hire A Skip Today

Here at Woodford Recycling, we can help you dispose of any unwanted plasterboard with our extensive selection of skips for hire. Whether you need a mini skip or something larger, we have a comprehensive range of sizes to cater to your needs. We can also supply 8-yard and 16-yard enclosed skips to ensure your plasterboard remains dry. 

To find out how we can assist your next construction project across Cambridge, Huntingdon, Peterborough and beyond, get in touch with our friendly team today — we have a wide range of waste management services that are sure to help.