How to Dispose of Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring until it was banned in the UK in 1999. Although it is no longer used in new construction, asbestos-containing materials can still be found in many older buildings.

While asbestos is not dangerous when undisturbed, when it is disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition work, it can release tiny fibres into the air that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.

If you are a private contractor planning any work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, it’s important to know how to safely handle and dispose of asbestos waste to protect yourself, others, and the environment.

This article will answer common questions about how to dispose of asbestos, including where to take it, how to package it, and whether you need to hire a professional asbestos removal company.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. It was widely used in the UK from the 1950s until the 1980s, primarily in the construction and manufacturing industries, as it was cheap and readily available.

Asbestos can be found in many different types of building materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and textured coatings. It is made up of microscopic fibres that can become airborne if the material is disturbed or damaged. Once inhaled, these fibres can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The use of asbestos in new construction was banned in the UK in 1999, but many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials. If you suspect that you may have asbestos in your own home, or workplace, it’s important to seek the advice of a qualified professional to determine whether the material needs to be removed or managed safely to avoid health risks.

How to handle asbestos waste?

Wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is important to handle asbestos waste safely.

Thoroughly wet down asbestos-containing materials before starting work, use non-powered hand tools, and pull out nails to minimise breakage. Carefully lower sheets to the ground and stack on two layers of polythene sheeting to prevent the release of fibres. Minimize cutting or breaking of asbestos cement products to prevent the release of fibres.

After handling asbestos, remove and dispose of personal protective equipment as described in the clean-up section. Take a shower to wash your hair immediately afterwards, and clean your hands and fingernails thoroughly.

Do not use power tools, abrasive cutting or sanding discs, or compressed air on asbestos cement, and avoid walking on corrugated asbestos cement roofs. In addition, do not leave asbestos cement products around the garden or where they may be broken.

Can I take asbestos to the dump?

Your local council dump or household waste recycling centres will generally accept asbestos for disposal, but there are some important things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, contacting your local council or waste management facility is essential to see if they have any specific requirements and procedures. For example, some facilities may have restrictions on the types of household items or quantities of asbestos they can accept. They may require you to book an appointment or provide advance notice before dropping off your asbestos waste.

When transporting asbestos waste, it is important to package it to prevent the release of fibres into the air. Asbestos waste should be double bagged in thick plastic sheeting, labeled as containing asbestos, and sealed with duct tape. It is important to avoid breaking or damaging the bags during transport, as this can release fibres into the air.

When dropping off asbestos waste at a waste management facility, it is important to follow the specific requirements and procedures outlined by the facility. This may include wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment, following specific directions for unloading the hazardous waste, and properly disposing of any contaminated materials or protective equipment used during transport.

Can you put asbestos in a skip?

You should not dispose of asbestos waste in a skip or skip bag, as this can release hazardous fibres into the air.

Skip companies and waste management facilities may not be equipped to handle asbestos disposal safely, and may inadvertently spread the fibres or expose workers to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Working with a licensed asbestos removal company or contacting your local council or waste management facility for safe disposal procedures is.

Can I put asbestos in my bin?

No, putting asbestos waste in your household waste bin is unsafe or legal.

Improper disposal of asbestos waste can result in environmental contamination and potential health risks for waste management workers site staff and the general public.

Follow the proper procedure by contacting your local council or waste management facility or working with a licensed asbestos removal company to safely remove and dispose of the asbestos-containing materials.

Can I bury asbestos on my land?

Burying asbestos waste on your land can be very dangerous, not only to yourself but to unsuspecting people who may dig up the soil at a later date.

Once buried, the land surrounding the site where the asbestos has been buried becomes contaminated, making it difficult to sell the property at a later date. Additionally, some mortgage lenders refuse to lend against a property that has been classed as “Contaminated Land”. Asbestos waste is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of correctly, especially if you’re a company or duty holder of business premises or property. Failure to adhere to the relevant legislation surrounding managing and disposing of asbestos could result in prosecution and fines.

The expenses for cleaning contaminated land are much higher than the cost of getting asbestos professionally removed. Seeking professional guidance on disposing of asbestos waste products is recommended to avoid these costs. If you’re in any doubt, seek the advice of a professional asbestos removal company or your local council or waste management facility to ensure that you’re disposing of asbestos waste safely and responsibly and not putting yourself, others, or the environment at risk.

Will my local council take asbestos waste?

Some councils offer collection services for small amounts of asbestos waste, but it’s necessary to check with or contact the local council first. If you’re a householder with small amounts of the least hazardous types of asbestos waste, you might also be able to dispose of it at your local council’s recycling centre. However, contact your local council to verify whether they offer this collection service and what specific requirements or procedures you should follow.

Working with licensed asbestos removal contractors is essential for most businesses or those dealing with larger quantities of asbestos waste or higher-risk asbestos materials. The HSE advises that only HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractors manage higher-risk asbestos materials or works on a larger scale. You can find licensed asbestos removal contractors on the ARCA website.

In Summary

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems when its fibres are released into the air. So if you’re planning any work that might disturb asbestos-containing materials, knowing how to handle and dispose of asbestos waste is critical.

In this article, we’ve covered some common questions about asbestos collection and disposal, including where to take it, how to package it, and what procedures to follow. We’ve also highlighted the legal requirements for the disposal of asbestos waste and discussed the potential health and environmental risks associated with improper disposal.

It’s important to remember that the safe collection and disposal of asbestos waste is essential to protect public health and the environment. If you need help with how to dispose of asbestos waste safely, contact your local council or a licensed asbestos removal contractor for guidance.

By following the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this article, you can help ensure that asbestos waste is handled and disposed of safely, protecting yourself, others, and the environment.