Asbestos disposal is a very tricky task that should only be handled by trained professionals. This is because asbestos is a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) material, making it hazardous. It not only damages the environment but also has dangerous effects on human health. Once disposed of, asbestos doesn't break down quickly and will remain in the environs for long.
What should you do if you choose to DIY?
Hazardous or special waste
If any of your waste contains even a fraction of asbestos, you need to classify it as special/hazardous waste. The waste must also be handled carefully since it contains dangerous materials.
Any waste that's contaminated with asbestos or contains asbestos needs to be double-bagged and put in a skip bin that's covered and locked. This may include over-shoes, overalls, respiratory protection equipment and sampling wastes that could have come in contact with asbestos. In case you have personal protective equipment that's contaminated with asbestos, it must be disposed of as asbestos waste or cleaned at a specially equipped facility. Additionally, if your personal clothes also become contaminated, handle it the same way as contaminated personal protective equipment.
Before taking equipment away to be disposed of, reused or cleaned, make sure it's packed in a container that's properly labelled. Simply put, you shouldn't mix asbestos waste with any other kind of a waste.
Label all asbestos items
Any raw asbestos or asbestos waste must be clearly labelled with an asbestos warning label. This label can be printed on the item directly or on the packaging, firmly stuck with a sticker. Most licensed companies that dispose of materials that are contaminated with asbestos use plastic bags with printed warnings on the outside.
Storage and transportation of asbestos waste
Asbestos waste and raw asbestos must be stored and transported in a sealed container like a locked/covered skip or in sealed wrapping. The skip or wrapper must be marked with an asbestos warning label, showing that it has asbestos.
In case you need to transport the waste, make sure you comply with the set regulations. This may include the packaging and documentation requirements.
Search for the nearest waste site
The packed asbestos waste needs to be disposed of in any landfill provided it has a permit that authorises the disposal of asbestos. You could also dispose of the asbestos materials in a waste landfill for non-hazardous materials, provided it has a separate, self-contained cell for asbestos materials.
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