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07 April 2009
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News from RFW
New rules mean that from April 1, people will not be able to put plasterboard in the general waste bin at their nearest household recycling centre (HRC).
Plasterboard and other gypsum-based products have been found to produce toxic gases when they are buried with biodegradable waste such as food. They remain perfectly safe to handle.
From April 1, the Environment Agency will be enforcing rules requiring plasterboard to be landfilled separately which mean changes to the way HRCs are run.
At Amesbury, Devizes, Honeyball and Melksham HRCs separate containers will be in place for people to deposit waste plasterboard. At the other six HRCs plasterboard will not be accepted for disposal.
Plasterboard cannot be put in the general waste container.
A lack of space means that it is not possible to have dedicated plasterboard containers at every HRC. Instead the four sites have been chosen so they broadly cover the county. The situation will, however, be kept under review and more containers made available if required.
People should also not put plasterboard in their general household waste bin. If bins are found to contain plasterboard they will not be emptied. Plasterboard will not be collected as part of bulky household waste collections.
The tougher rules follow research commissioned by the Environment Agency which confirm that putting plasterboard in a landfill with biodegradable waste produces the odorous and toxic gas hydrogen sulphide. Instead the plasterboard must be treated and buried separately. The Environment Agency is responsible for enforcing rules on waste disposal and can bring court proceedings against individuals, companies or local authorities breaking these rules.
One option for people who have whole plasterboards left over from their DIY is to advertise it on the Freecycle network. This internet-based community service lets people offer items for free for collection. You never know, there may just be another DIY-er in your community who could use your excess plasterboard. Find out more at www.freecycle.org.uk