Sustainable and Compliant Plasterboard Waste Management in UK Construction

The UK construction industry generates approximately 120 million tonnes of waste annually, presenting significant environmental and regulatory challenges. Although concrete, timber and metals dominate by volume, plasterboard waste presents disproportionate environmental risk due to hydrogen sulphide generation under anaerobic landfill conditions. This study critically evaluates plasterboard waste management within the Park Lane Redevelopment Project in Central London and compares its regulatory complexity, environmental impact and circular economy potential with other major construction waste streams. Using a mixed-method case study approach, findings indicate that structured segregation, compaction strategies and recycling partnerships achieved a 92% compliance rate and reduced contamination by 35% within six weeks. Compared with concrete and timber, plasterboard demonstrates higher regulatory sensitivity but stronger circular reintegration potential when effectively managed. The study argues that gypsum waste management should be treated as a strategic sustainability priority rather than merely a compliance obligation and proposes a transferable framework aligned with the UK Net Zero 2050 strategy.