Plasterboard, thermal laminated boards containing plasterboard and plasterboard coving/ decorative items are mostly used for lining walls and ceilings, but are also used for protecting rafters, trusses, steel frames, lifts, panel systems, underside of stairs and some door types. Plasterboard can be found in domestic, industrial and commercial buildings.

PPE requirements indicated are for guidance purposes only. DRIDS has identified the PPE that is mandatory on all demolition projects and ones that may be required subject to site specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Hover over the icon to determine the types of PPE required for the removal of this material.

Plasterboard sheets that are not contaminated have a recycling value. Plasterboard destined for recycling should be segregated and stored in designated skips, bins or bulk bags. The option for beneficial reuse of recycled gypsum from plasterboard for agricultural land improvement now requires a permit, as defined in the revised Plasterboard Quality Protocol. Non-hazardous plasterboard should only be sent to landfill as a last resort. It should be disposed in a landfill for non-hazardous waste in a cell where no biodegradable waste is accepted. Plasterboard is not permitted in mixed landfill. Refer to PAS109 Quality Protocol for Gypsum in Further Reading.

Hammer, saw, nailbar, crowbar, screwdriver, jemmy bar, chisel, electric screwdriver

Plasterboard has been traditionally fixed in place with plasterboard nails, screws or wall/coving adhesive. For some wall panel systems, the plasterboard sheets will tightly run inside metal, timber or plastic channels without the need for fixings. Thermal laminated boards containing plasterboard, insulation material and vapour barrier foil are bound together with adhesive and can be difficult to separate for recycling.

Subject to task-specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Use correct protective equipment for removing fixings, especially nails and screws. Wear gloves when handling sheets with damaged edges, coated in vapour barrier foil or insulation panels to prevent irritation, cuts and friction burns. Wear eye protection when removing nails or screws with a crowbar, hammer or nailbar. Do not walk on wet sheets that have been coated in paint, vapour barrier foil or other type of glazed finish.

• Plasterboard Sustainability Partnership
• Plasterboard Sustainability Action Plan Report 2013
• Plasterboard PAS 109
• Plasterboard REAP
• Plasterboard Recycling
• Quality Protocol for Gypsum
• Environment Agency Position Statement on Plasterboard
• WRAP Designing out waste Plasterboard
• HSE Safe Handling of Plasterboard

• Manual Handling
• Safe Use of Hand Tools