Disposal of asbestos

About this service

Identifying the type of asbestos material (or indeed whether the material contains any asbestos at all), and assessing the precautions that need to be taken, are jobs for specialists.

For further advice and a list of licensed contractors please contact the Health and Safety Executive on 0131 247 2135.

If the asbestos is in good condition can it be left where it is? It may be safer to treat the asbestos rather than remove it. The structure may be made safe by painting it either with an oil-based paint or a dilute solution of UPV glue.

Removal by specialist contractor

If you want the asbestos removed by a contractor, consider the following list of choices in order of safety

Engage a licensed asbestos contractor to dismantle, clear and dispose of the waste. Particularly fibrous asbestos must only be dealt with by specialist contractors licensed by the Health & Safety Executive. (This must always be considered for certain, “high risk “ materials such as asbestos insulation, asbestos coatings or asbestos insulating board), which typically have a high asbestos content

Dismantle the structure yourself and engage a licensed waste contractor to dispose of the waste asbestos. (May be considered for “low risk” materials such as asbestos cement products i.e. corrugated roofing materials).

Take the waste to a site licensed to accept asbestos. A list of local licensed sites is included at the end of this form.

Asbestos waste is classified as ‘special waste’. It can only be disposed of at a site licensed by the Environment Agency and any contractor used must also be licensed to carry ‘special waste’.

Removing asbestos yourself or using a non-specialist contractor

If you are dismantling the structure yourself or engaging a non-specialist contractor to carry out the work, the following ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ should help with the control of fibres

DO

  • Keep others away from the work area.
  • Where possible, work out of doors.
  • Keep the surfaces of the board’s wet, but avoid any possibility of water coming into contact with electrical supplies or appliances.
  • Where possible remove the sheets whole. Avoid breaking up the material.
  • Where sheets are held in place by bolts, spring-headed nails or other fixings, try to crop the heads of the fixing and lift the sheets clear, rather than try extracting the fixing or break the sheet around the fixing.
  • Wear overalls, preferably disposal overalls, if not ensure you wash them after work. In some cases you may be advised to wear respiratory protection. Ensure you use only the type specified – some masks on sale to the public are not effective for this purpose.
  • Lay polythene sheeting on the floor and on horizontal surfaces which cannot be hosed and washed down (e.g. indoors). Dispose of the sheeting with the asbestos waste.
  • Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clean up any dust. Hire an industrial vacuum cleaner that conforms to BS 5415 (Type H).
  • Smaller pieces should be placed in a bag or polythene sack as soon as they are removed. All asbestos should be wrapped in strong polythene.
  • Clean all surfaces around the work area using a damp cloth or by hosing and sweeping. Dispose of the used cloths with the asbestos waste.
  • Wash your hands before eating or smoking. Wash your hands, face and hair after completing the work and removing your overalls.

DON’T

  • Don’t use any power tools on any asbestos material.
  • Don’t use dry abrasive processes on asbestos materials (e.g. sanding, sawing, wire brushing etc.)
  • Don’t use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clean up. They spread the fibres rather than contain them.
  • Don’t carry asbestos through your home if you can avoid it.
  • Don’t worry – these simple precautions are all you require to safe guard yourself and those around you

Disposal of Asbestos Waste

The waste should be dampened with water, wrapped in strong polythene or bagged, and sealed.

You can take your waste to the following sites in Wiltshire although it is advised that you phone the site before transporting your waste.

  • Hills (Purton) - 01793 778 205
  • Hills (Salisbury) - 01722 415 040
  • Hills (Warminster) - 01985 211 531

Upon arrival you must report to the site office where you will be instructed which skip to put the waste in.

Alternatively you can contact one of the following companies who may collect your asbestos waste and/or dispose of it for you.

Please note it is likely that charges will be made.

  • Hills Waste - 01793 771 759

Last updated: 18 March 2009