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[October 2008]
First Waste Plasterboard Processing Standard is Launched
Plasterboard can now be recycled into quality assured gypsum, thanks to the publication of a new Publicly Available Specification (PAS) launched today by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
PAS109:2008 Specification for the production of recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard, is the first published standard which provides guidance for processing waste plasterboard. The adoption of the standard enables plasterboard recyclers to advertise that their recycled gypsum product meets the PAS109 quality requirements.
In addition, it will enable purchasers of PAS109 recycled gypsum to have confidence that the material they are using is a quality assured material with a consistent specification. WRAP intends that this increased confidence will drive growth in existing markets and assist in the development of new ones. Gypsum recycled from waste plasterboard is already established in a range of applications including the manufacture of new plasterboard, the manufacture of cement and for agricultural use as a soil treatment.
Developed by WRAP - in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the industry sectors which recycle waste plasterboard and use gypsum – PAS109 sets a series of minimum requirements covering:
- the selection, receipt and handling of input materials;
- the specification of product grades;
- the storage, labelling, dispatch and traceability of the products; and
- quality management to ensure the recycled gypsum being produced is consistently fit for its intended uses.
Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP, said: “The launch of PAS109 continues our support to the plasterboard recycling sector by helping it to demonstrate quality and increase throughput. By building markets for recycled gypsum more waste plasterboard will be diverted from landfill disposal which not only represents good materials resource efficiency and provides cost savings but will also support the construction industry in its target of halving waste to landfill by 2012.”
PAS109 also supports the joint WRAP and Environment Agency project which is working on a Quality Protocol for gypsum from waste plasterboard. If adopted, a Quality Protocol would enable this gypsum to be ‘fully recovered’ - if being used in certain applications - and no longer considered a waste. The Quality Protocol is due to be released for public consultation shortly, available from the Environment Agency website.
PAS109 is freely available as a PDF download from www.wrap.org.uk/pas109 or in printed form by contacting the WRAP Helpline on 0808 100 2040.
ENDS