The Quality Protocol for the use of recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard has now been released. This will allow gypsum recycled from waste plasterboard to be spread to agricultural land without being classed as a ‘waste’.
Waste plasterboard consists of a gypsum fraction which can be recycled for reuse in plasterboard, cement manufacture, and as a soil improver. But farmers wanting to this form of recycled gypsum as an alternative to conventional gypsum are hindered by the fact that the material is classified as ‘waste’
Published by the Waste Protocols Project - a joint WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Environment Agency initiative in which the NFU is closely involved - the Quality Protocol for the Production of Recycled Gypsum from Waste Plasterboard removes the ‘waste’ tag and so negates some of the costs and regulatory burden associated with waste management legislation regulating the storage and transportation of waste gypsum.
The Quality Protocol also aims to give farmer users greater confidence and assurance in the quality of recycled gypsum by stipulating that it is recycled to a defined, recognised standard. Gypsum material that meets the agreed standard and has been produced in accordance with the protocol will no longer be considered waste, removing the need for farmers to obtain costly exemptions or permits from the Environment Agency when spreading recycled gypsum.
For more information and to download the Quality Protocol visit the Environment Agency Website.