How Do I Dispose of Plasterboard?
Plasterboard, also known as drywall or gypsum, is a commonly used building material that is often utilised when constructing interior walls and ceilings.
A quick and easy alternative to traditional plastering methods, if you need to dispose of plasterboard as part of your next project it’s important that you understand the correct plasterboard removal process.
Unlike other materials like wood, rubble and bricks, plasterboard cannot be put in a skip with general mixed waste. Instead, it requires a specialist process.
In this article, the team at RF Recycling Group will explain how to dispose of plasterboard safely.
Why can you not put plasterboard in a skip?
Plasterboard must never be put in a mixed waste skip or any skip that includes other waste types.
This is because it is classified as hazardous and, by law, must be handled in a specific way. In 2009, the Environmental Agency passed a law stating that plasterboard and other gypsum-based materials can no longer be landfilled and must always be separated for recovery and recycling purposes – and this includes when using skip hire. April 2025 will also see an increase in the UK’s Landfill tax, which is likely to impact commercial companies.
While plasterboard is not allowed in skips with other types of waste, some skip hire companies will offer specialist plasterboard skips. At RF Recycling Group, we provide plasterboard skip hire that can see our team safely and responsibly handle this type of waste.
Why is plasterboard so hazardous?
One of the core ingredients of plasterboard is gypsum. Sitting between two layers of lining paper, gypsum contains a high amount of sulphates which can produce a hazardous gas called hydrogen sulphide. This gas is colourless but extremely toxic and can be hazardous if breathed in – in some cases, it can even cause explosions. The gas is produced when the plasterboard gets wet, which is why it needs to be kept separate from other materials that you may be recycling in a skip.
How do I dispose of plasterboard?
At RF Recycling, we’re experts in plasterboard removal. We have a range of specialist skips that can handle this type of waste for both domestic and commercial customers.
For domestic customers
If you’re handling plasterboard removal as part of a house clearance, home DIY project or any other type of domestic job, you must segregate your waste one way or another.
While some people will head to their local tip, this can be a time-consuming process and if you haven’t properly separated the waste you could be fined.
Hiring a specialist plasterboard skip is a great alternative that makes the process simple. At RF Recycling Group, we can supply you with a specialist plasterboard skip. All you need to do is place all your plasterboard in it and we’ll take it to our recycling centre to responsibly dispose of it. As well as this, we offer one-tonne plasterboard bags for smaller plasterboard jobs that are suitable for many of our domestic customers.
For business customers
If you’re a commercial customer who regularly handles plasterboard on a larger scale, we can also assist.
Our specialist plasterboard skips can be supplied on an industrial scale, providing you with the perfect waste management solution for this hazardous material. Once your skip is filled, simply give us a call and our team can collect the waste before recycling it at our on-site recycling centre, complying with all environmental legislation.
Working across Ringwood, Salisbury, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, the team here at RF Recycling Group can help you safely and legally dispose of all plasterboard waste. With a range of skip sizes available, no matter the size or scope of your project we’re here to make the process as easy as possible. For more information on plasterboard skip hire, contact our expert team today.
