Plasterboard disposal and recycling
Below gives information on our plasterboard disposal and recycling service
Welcome to We Clear Junk Ltd. We take pride in collecting plasterboard waste from our office fit-out and renovation clients. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to ensure responsible plasterboard disposal, in line with legislation and best practices.
Plasterboard disposal regulations
In the UK, there are specific regulations governing the disposal of plasterboard. The Landfill Directive, introduced in 2005, strictly prohibits the landfilling of gypsum-based materials, including plasterboard. This legislation aims to divert plasterboard waste from landfills, encouraging recycling as the preferred method of disposal.
Plasterboard recycling
Plasterboard recycling offers substantial environmental benefits. By diverting plasterboard from landfills, we significantly reduce the release of harmful gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which can contribute to air and water pollution. Additionally, recycling plasterboard conserves valuable resources, as the gypsum content can be reused in the production of new plasterboard, reducing the need for virgin materials.
To ensure the highest standards of plasterboard recycling, we adopt best practices. Our waste transfer stations actively separate plasterboard waste from other materials, such as wood, metal, and insulation. This segregation facilitates the recycling process and ensures maximum efficiency in the recovery of valuable resources.
Limitations
When it comes to plasterboard recycling, there are certain limitations to be aware of. One of the main limitations is the restriction on the percentage of recycled material that can be used in the production of new plasterboard. In the UK, the current industry standard allows for a maximum of 10% recycled gypsum content in new plasterboard.
This limitation exists due to the potential impact on the quality and performance of the final product. Plasterboard manufacturers need to ensure that the recycled material meets the necessary quality standards and does not compromise the integrity of the new plasterboard. Therefore, there are restrictions on the amount of recycled content that can be incorporated.
Despite best intentions and efforts to recycle as much plasterboard waste as possible, a significant amount of plasterboard still ends up in landfill. This can occur for several reasons. For instance, contamination from other construction waste materials, such as wood, metal, or insulation, can render the plasterboard unsuitable for recycling. In reality separating every little bit of plasterboard takes a lot of manual labour. This leads to poor segregation on construction sites can mix plasterboard waste with non-recyclable materials, making it challenging to separate and recycle effectively.
It is important to note that the plasterboard industry is continually striving to improve recycling technologies and practices. Efforts are being made to increase the recycled content allowance in new plasterboard. As well as develop more efficient and cost-effective recycling methods. These advancements aim to minimize the limitations and increase the overall recycling rates of plasterboard waste.
Trusted partners
At We Clear Junk Ltd, we are committed to responsibly handling plasterboard waste and maximizing recycling opportunities whenever possible. We work closely with licensed recycling facilities to ensure that the plasterboard waste we collect is processed in accordance with the industry regulations and best practices.