Plasterboard is a material which is used on a day to day basis in the construction industry as it is easy to use and very versatile. Plasterboard is used in many commercial and domestic properties such as warehouses, shopping centers and offices. In the past you have been able to put 10% or less of plasterboard in a normal skip however now due to the 2009 environmental agency updated legislation, this now must be completely separate to any other waste and this must have a skip on its own.
Why is plasterboard banned from Landfill?
There are many reasons as to why it is banned and I will list a few of these reasons below
- Plasterboard is classed as a hazardous waste.
- The main ingredient in plasterboard is gypsum, a sulphate mineral mixed with water and dried to form a solid board. Due to the hire sulphate content there is a high decay risk.
- Exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide can lead to significant health issues to the eyes and respiratory system.
How do you dispose of plasterboard correctly?
- Make sure that the plasterboard is completely separate from your other waste.
- Make sure that the plasterboard is kept somewhere that cannot get wet. Be sure to keep it covered.
- Make sure that you are only ordered the amount of plasterboard that you actually need to reduce wastage.
- Make sure that you handle the plasterboard with care, be sure that any damaged material is disposed of correctly and not used.
- Get in touch with WasteSure for your plasterboard waste removal and any other waste removal you may need.
What environmental effects does plasterboard have on landfill?
- Plasterboard is not only hazardous for us but also for landfill.
- When the hydrogen sulphide collects in the ground, it creates an invisible pool of toxic build-up which can cause major ground pollution and damage to ecosystems.
- Build-up of hydrogen sulphide can usually be identified by its ‘rotten egg’ smell.
- Plasterboard is a dangerous material if not disposed of correctly- hydrogen sulphide is poisonous to both humans and our environment and it flammable if left to build up.
