| Plasterboard comprises 95% gypsum
and 5% paper; the major constituents of gypsum are calcium
(23%) and sulphate (21%). The sulphate content of gypsum
mixed with biodegradable municipal waste in a landfill
breaks down to form, amongst other substances, hydrogen
sulphide; which has a long term negative impact upon the
leachate generated within the landfill and can cause odour
problems for communities close to landfills. |
In response to the negative
impacts of landfilling high sulphate waste (material with >10%
sulphate), the UK Government and the Environment Agency
are implementing measures to stop the disposal of plasterboard
into landfills with biodegradable waste.
Waste plasterboard disposal to landfill will be restricted to separately
engineered containment cells within non-hazardous landfill sites;
this will be a legal requirement for the disposal of plasterboard
waste from 16th July 2005. |
So why
recycle plasterboard and what are the benefits?
Construction projects will save significant sums of money through
recycling plasterboard by reducing their off site disposal costs.
Construction companies can generate a ‘good news story’ in
promoting their recycling initiatives; good PR that can then be used
in marketing and business development initiatives.
Tangible environmental benefits which can be incorporated into annual
environmental reporting. |
