Why can’t you put plasterboard in a skip?

Plasterboard is one of those materials that has often caused confusion when booking a skip hire and knowing what can and cannot go into a skip. Such confusion arises from the fact that in the past, there were some instances when it could be placed in a skip and some where it could not.  

 

These two somewhat conflicting schools of thought arose from the claim why plasterboard may, or may not be considered as being dangerous. 

 

 

Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is essentially an inner layer of mineral called “gypsum”, that is sandwiched between two outer layers of lining paper. The sulphate in gypsum in most circumstances “on its own” does not pose a threat. However, it is not as simple as that. It is when plasterboard gets damp, it breaks down and is mixed with other landfill that deadly hydrogen sulphide gas can be created and released – this process is called putrefaction.  

 

Although there have been many differing opinions within the waste industry over the years, here at Proskips, besides UK legislation surrounding plasterboard and its safe disposal, we also accept as our duty of care, that we do not put our customers, skip and/or lorry drivers, or any third parties at risk by unwillingly inhaling what can be very corrosive and toxic fumes. 

 

 

Because of the complexity and the physical makeup of plasterboard, there have been a number of changes to UK legislation over the years. In years gone by, it used to be common practice to dispose of plasterboard and other gypsum materials into a skip, but in July 2005, The Environmental Agency took the position that “The landfilling of gypsum and other high sulphate bearing wastes with biodegradable waste will be prohibited in England and Wales”.  

 

During this time, there was much research into waste types bearing sulphate. Whilst trying to determine a safe concentration limit for separate disposal, it was confirmed that the relationship between the percentage of sulphate in waste and the subsequent production of hydrogen sulphide gas is complex. As such, it was concluded that a practical limit for the safe disposal of gypsum cannot be set, so Environmental Agency revised their guidance to remove the 10% value. 

 

Therefore, since April 2009, waste containing gypsum can no longer be mixed with biodegradable waste at a standard landfill site. Of course, Gypsum is the main raw material for plasterboard, so this prohibition now applies to all plasterboard waste. 

 

 

It is important to note that the new guidelines surrounding plasterboard does not mean that it cannot be disposed of. However, for the reasons outlined above, here at Proskips and the Prowaste group of companies, we are unable to accept plasterboard, or gypsum-based materials in any skips with other mixed waste.  

 

In addition, the Environmental Agency asks that waste providers separate all plasterboard and gypsum-based materials from all other waste. 

 

As such, please notify us if you have any plasterboard or waste that you think may contain plasterboard, or gypsum-based material. This waste MUST be kept separate and cannot be mixed.  

 

Proskips would also recommend some planning ahead of your plasterboard clearance and skip delivery. Remember that plasterboard and gypsum-based materials become harder to handle when damp and they are mixed, so where possible, try and keep your plasterboard dry and away from rain, or sitting in water or humid conditions which would allow it take on moisture. Some careful thought on where you will be placing your plasterboard skip will also be advisable. 

 

In such circumstances and in order to ensure that the plasterboard is not mixed with your other waste clearance, we would recommend ordering a second and separate skip/s or skip bag for the safe disposal of your plasterboard and gypsum-based materials.