Review of recycled gypsum standards
The Quality Protocol for Recycled Gypsum from Waste Plasterboard and the standard to which it refers (PAS109: Specification for the production of recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard) were developed to ensure the recycling industry were meeting a minimum standard for recycled gypsum so that it could be used for a range of applications - one of which includes landspreading for agricultural benefit.
The QP and PAS109 documents define the "end-of-waste" point for recycled gypsum and are intended to help build confidence amongst users of recycled gypsum. Products that meet the "end-of-waste" definition are no longer controlled as wastes when they are used. This reduces the regulatory burden on users (no need to register permits/exemptions).
The Quality Protocol & PAS109 are 2 & 3 years old respectively, and WRAP and the Environment Agency would like to evaluate the documents to ensure that both gypsum reprocessors, manufacturers and other end users (i.e. farmers) remain confident in their achievability and robustness.
Feedback Request
The NFU would like to hear from members who have used gypsum. Please provide us with your feedback based on the following questions, or any other points that you would like to raise on the use of recycled gypsum in agriculture.
- Have you used Quality Protocol gypsum?
- Had you used "waste" gypsum previously (i.e. gypsum that was subject to waste permits/exemptions)?
- Why did you decide to use recycled gypsum?
- Were you satisfied with the quality of material?
- Did your supplier explain your responsibilities (i.e. record keeping and soil testing requirements)?
- Would you use recycled gypsum again?
- If you previously used "waste" gypsum, did you find the process for Quality Protocol gypsum easier?
Send an email to Nicola.Dunn@nfu.org.uk or leave a comment below to provide your feedback.
- Philip Meadley - 11/02/2012
yes.no.good source of cheap sulphur,conditions heavy soil.getting worse.no.yes.n/a
- Guy Prudom - 11/02/2012
Have used gypsum on heavy land to help loosen the soil. Seems to be working with good crop establishment in the areas treated.