Plasterboard

Find out about an exciting new scheme that could recycle more waste from your DIY projects

Planning some DIY ?

Plasterboard is used all over our houses today. It makes ceilings and walls, and is often stripped out and replaced when houses are refurbished or altered.

It is estimated that approximately one million tonnes of waste plasterboard is produced in the UK each year. Although most comes from the construction and demolition industries, a sizeable amount comes from small builders and people doing DIY.

Imagery used in adverts for Plasterboard collection at Civic Amenity sites.

At the moment, nearly all of this waste goes to landfill. This is a waste of a resource and also causes environmental problems.

What can plasterboard be recycled into?

Clean plasterboard in a skip

Plasterboard can easily be recycled, for a variety of uses:

  • To make new plasterboard
  • As a key ingredient in cement
  • An alternative material to make blocks and bricks
  • As a basic part in the growing of mushrooms
  • Improving soil quality for farmers

Where is it happening?

A man places waste plasterboard into a skip at a civic amenity site. The Recycle Now iconography is shown on the skip

A number of Household Waste Recycling Centres recently took part in trials to work out the best way to collect plasterboard waste.  These trials were very successful with lots of plasterboard collected.  All of the plasterboard collected was recycled.

Many Local Authorities are now thinking about whether to start collecting plasterboard at their Household Waste Recycling Centres. 

To find out if your nearest centre has a special skip for plasterboard, contact your Local Authority or look at their website.

Recycling your plasterboard is easy!

Header for Recycle Now pages
  • Firstly, check with your Local Authority if they provide a special skip for plasterboard at their Household Waste Recycling Centres. 
  • Recycle stripped-out old plasterboard as well as offcuts of new plasterboard.
  • Put small pieces into a bag or box and stack large pieces out of the way.
  • Ensure that nothing else is mixed in - no wood or metal studding. But don't forget...these may be recyclable too!
  • Keep the plasterboard waste dry. It is difficult to recycle when wet.
  • Take it to your nearest participating site and put it into the special skip for plasterboard waste.

What can go in the plasterboard skip:

A newly installed skip, for the collection of plasterboard, at a Civic Amenity site. Signage fits with Recycle Now guidelines.

This list explains what usually can go in, although you may find additional instructions at the site.

  • Plasterboard with wallpaper or paint
  • Plasterboard with foil backing
  • Plasterboard with small amounts of battoning
  • Screws, nails, and fixings (although try to leave these out if possible)

What must stay out of the plasterboard skip:

  • Plasterboard with foam or other insulation attached
  • Plasterboard with timber or metal studding attached
  • Plasterboard with ceramic tiles attached
  • Plasterboard which is wet
  • Plaster (either old in lumps or unused powder)
  • Any other materials or rubbish

If in doubt, leave it out!

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