Use resources efficiently in construction and building trades

The problem of waste is particularly acute for those working with plaster and plasterboard. Up to 1.3 million tonnes of plasterboard waste is generated by the construction and refurbishment industry each year, and a proportion of all new plasterboard is wasted even before it is used.

This is a particular problem because plasterboard waste causes disposal problems. If it is mixed with biodegradable wastes - such as food - it can produce hydrogen sulphide, a major contributor to acid rain. You must make sure that any waste which contains gypsum (such as plaster and plasterboard) is properly separated and sent to specially-designed waste cells.

It is essential that you look at ways of reducing or eliminating plasterboard waste to avoid high disposal costs. You can do this by actively encouraging better design and good site practice, such as reusing offcuts. You can also reduce your environmental impact and cut costs if you:

• don't waste materials - plan jobs so that you use what you have on site and use all of the plaster you have mixed
• store materials carefully so they are not wasted by damage from impact or moisture
• protect work so others do not damage it - redoing work is very wasteful
• separate your waste so you do not contaminate other wastes
• make sure plaster washings do not contaminate groundwater

You must help to ensure that your waste is properly dealt with - see duty of care for business waste.