Can I Put Old Plaster Or Plasterboard In A Skip?

If you’re carrying out a renovation, it’s likely that you’ll produce large amounts of plaster and plasterboard waste. Whether you’re replacing a stud wall or partition, removing architectural moulding or even taking down an old ceiling; disposing of both plaster and plasterboard properly is an important part of completing the job safely and responsibly.

At Morley Skips we’re often asked whether customers can put plaster or plasterboard into a skip, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as a yes or no. Both plaster and plasterboard cannot be mixed with certain types of waste so they need to be handled carefully and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.

In this blog we’ll explain why these products can be harmful, why they need to be separated and how Morley Skips can help you to dispose of them correctly.

Why Plaster & Plasterboard Need To Be Disposed Of Separately

At first glance plaster and plasterboard might seem harmless, after all they’re just a mix of a naturally-occurring mineral, water and a few additional properties depending on whether it’s the former or latter product. However, when the mineral (gypsum) breaks down in landfill alongside biodegradable waste it produces hydrogen sulphide gas, a toxic and unpleasant-smelling substance that poses risks to the environment and public health. Because of this, plaster and plasterboard cannot be mixed with general waste in skips or sent to landfill with other materials such as wood, plastic, glass or household rubbish. Instead, they must be separated and recycled through approved facilities that are equipped to handle gypsum-based waste safely.

Can You Put Plaster & Plasterboard Into A Skip?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. If you’re hiring a skip from Morley Skips we can accept plaster and plasterboard as long as they’re kept separate from other types of waste. 

For example, you could:

• Place plaster and plasterboard in its own dedicated skip or container
• Use clear, sealed bags or a lined section of a larger skip to prevent contamination with mixed waste

What Happens To Plaster & Plasterboard Waste?

Once your waste is collected it’s transported to our state-of-the-art waste transfer station where it’s inspected and sorted. From there, any recovered rubble is processed and repurposed into recycled hardcore and aggregates. Any plasterboard or plaster will be sent to specialised recycling facilities where the gypsum powder can be separated from the paper lining and be processed into new materials.

This waste powder can often be used to:

• Produce new plasterboard sheets
• Create agricultural soil conditioners
• Manufacture industrial fillers and plasters

Suitable Skip Sizes For Plaster & Plasterboard Waste

The amount of plaster and plasterboard produced during renovation work can vary greatly depending on the size of the project. At Morley Skips we offer a range of skip sizes and have included a brief guide below. If you’re unsure what size skip is best for your waste, our knowledgeable team can help you to choose the most practical and cost-effective solution:

• 2 to 4-yard skips: Suitable for small DIY jobs, minor repairs and single-room projects.
• 6 to 8-yard skips: Ideal for larger home refurbishments and recommended if you’re removing plaster or plasterboard from multiple rooms as it can soon add-up! Please note that a 6 yard skip is the largest size that can be placed on a public road and an 8 yard skip is the largest size that can be used solely for hardcore.

• 10 to 14-yard skips: Great for large-scale building work such as whole-property renovations.
• 20 to 40-yard Roll On Roll Off (RORO) containers: The best options for major renovation works or commercial projects.

What You Need To Know About Mixed Waste

Although plaster and plasterboard must be kept separate, we understand that renovation work often produces a wide mix of materials. When booking your skip it’s important to let us know what type of waste you expect to be removing so that we can recommend the right option. This not only ensures compliance with government regulations but it could also help to reduce your overall waste disposal costs by making sure that you select the right one first time.

For example:

• General waste skips are suitable for mixed household or renovation waste. This does not include hazardous items, asbestos or Japanese Knotweed (more on this below). 
• Dedicated plaster and plasterboard skips can be arranged for jobs with large amounts of plaster-based waste.

What About Hazardous Waste?

Plasterboard and plaster aren’t technically classed as hazardous, however, renovation projects sometimes uncover materials that are, such as asbestos, paint tins, gas bottles or contaminated soil. If your project involves any of these, our team can help to arrange a fast and compliant removal service via our network of 3^rd-party partners. If you’re unsure whether a material is hazardous, or have already extracted the materials, we would be happy to offer guidance before we collect.

Alternatives For Small Quantities Of Plaster & Plasterboard

If you only have a small amount of plasterboard or plaster to dispose of, such as remnants from a minor repair or a single wall replacement, you might not need a full skip. Our skip bags offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative for lighter waste. Measuring 90 x 90 x 90 cm and holding up to one tonne of waste, they’re perfect for smaller projects where space or access is limited.

You can book a skip bag online or over the phone and we’ll deliver it to your property. Once it’s filled, simply call us to arrange collection.

Booking With Morley Skips

When it comes to plaster or plasterboard disposal, Morley Skips has been trusted across Essex and Suffolk since 2001. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help, whether you’re managing a full home renovation or a commercial project. 

Simply call our team today on 01621 815 287 or book online here.