Plasterboard Contamination may result in Contamination Charges

What is the Legislation?

In 2009 the Environment Agency passed legislation outlining that gypsum-based materials, such as plasterboard, must not be landfilled where it has the potential to be mixed with biodegradable materials, and that they must be separated at source for recovery and recycling. This applies to all businesses.

Why Segregate?

It is important to ensure plasterboard is segregated to prevent contamination of other waste streams, and to adhere to legislative requirements. If plasterboard is mixed in with other waste, it has the potential to generate hydrogen sulphide upon degradation which is highly toxic and presents a very serious health and safety issue on-site and for the receiving site.

Under the EWC classification waste plasterboard is classified as non-hazardous waste (EWC 17 08 02) however it cannot be mixed with any other waste stream and must be segregated. 

What will happen if plasterboard is not segregated?

When contaminated material is tipped at a Transfer station, operatives must be deployed to segregate the contaminated fractions out, this delays the whole waste receiving process, as all Waste Transfer Stations are fully mechanised. If the mechanical process is stopped because of operatives on the floor segregating, there is an associated cost linked to this, which is then passed on to the site that produced the waste (the source of the arising).

Contamination costs vary, dependent on the level of contamination, but can run into £100’s.

If plasterboard waste needs to be sent to landfill, then it must be deposited in a separate, self-contained mono-cell specifically designed for high sulphate wastes, this is very costly.

Our supply chain have now advised that there will be Zero Tolerance towards any contamination.

Our Segregation Strategy

Ecofficiency are committed to working with you to segregate waste streams, and rates for segregated waste will remain lower than mixed waste rates, however we do understand that space is sometimes at a premium and an additional skip is not always a viable option, this is where skip bags can be provided for small quantities.

Why Recycle?

• It is better for the environment & it reduces cost.
• Segregation is a legal requirement and keeps businesses compliant.
• Enhances Corporate and social responsibility.
• Demonstrates that businesses care for the environment.