Plasterboard Waste Skips

For anything more than a few offcuts, plasterboard needs its own skip. A Mick George general waste skip can take a small amount mixed in with other household waste. Larger quantities must go in a dedicated plasterboard skip, which takes plasterboard only. We supply these in 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 yard sizes. For just a few sheets, a plasterboard skip bag is often better value. 

Plasterboard is made from gypsum. In landfill, gypsum reacts with biodegradable waste such as wood, food and garden waste and releases hydrogen sulphide, a toxic gas that smells of rotten eggs. Since 2009, plasterboard has to be kept separate so it can be recycled instead. That is why larger amounts need a dedicated skip. Small quantities that turn up in a general waste skip are picked out at our transfer stations.

A 4-yard plasterboard skip from Mick George starts from £270 + VAT. The 6, 8, 12 and 16 yard sizes cost more. Your final price depends on four things: the skip size, your postcode, how long you keep it and whether it needs a council permit to sit on the road. Enter your postcode when booking to see your exact price.

For a few sheets, your council’s household waste recycling centre is often cheapest. Although, many charge per sheet or bag for plasterboard and expect it to arrive separated from other waste. Unused full sheets can be given away free through local reuse groups. For a room’s worth a plasterboard skip bag is cheaper than a skip. For whole renovations, a skip gives the lowest cost per load. Our plasterboard disposal guide covers the other options. 

It needs to be free of other waste, but it doesn’t have to be dry. Boar with plaster skim, paint or small fixings, such as screws, is fine, tiles, wood battens, insulation and general rubbish must go elsewhere and insulation-backed boards need checking with us first. Wet plasterboard is accepted but it is much heavier.

Plasterboard is sent for recycling rather than landfill. The plasterboard is shredded and the paper lining is separated from the gypsum core. The gypsum is ground into powder and reused to make new plasterboard, and the paper is recycled separately. Recycled gypsum can also be used in cement and as an agricultural soil conditioner. This is why a plasterboard skip must contain plasterboard only: other waste mixed in makes the gypsum unusable. 

It is separated from the rest of the load at our transfer station so it can be recycled rather than sent to landfill. Small amounts are accepted in a general waste skip. If a large quantity turns up, or it’s mixed right through the load, a surcharge may be added to cover the extra sorting. If plasterboard makes up most of your waste, a dedicated plasterboard skip is usually cheaper.