Can Asbestos be Put in a Skip?

Asbestos cannot be taken taken by your weekly bin collection to landfill due to it being hazardous waste. When disposing of asbestos you need to do so in a safe manner, due to the implications asbestos waste can have on human health. In this article we discuss, what asbestos waste is and how best to dispose of it.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is an extremely hazardous mineral composed of tiny fibers that are resistant to heat, fire and most chemicals. It was widely used as a building material in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to its strength and insulation properties. It can still be found in many properties today.

Asbestos can also be found in other asbestos products such as:

• Brake pads

• Gaskets

• Roofing materials

• Fire blankets

• Ironing surfaces

• Insulating mats

• Car clutch linings

What is Asbestos Waste?

Asbestos waste encompasses asbestos and any material that has been contaminated by the asbestos.

This can include:

• Personal clothing

• Contaminated PPE

• Demolition rubble

These items must be disposed in the same way as asbestos. 

How can I Dispose of Asbestos?

If you find asbestos in your property contact your local council they will be able to advise you on what to do next. The ideal option, if you find asbestos, is to hire a specialised service to remove and dispose of the asbestos. The disposal service will be the most convenient and safe option for asbestos disposal. Asbestos removal for most people will be the best option. This can include an asbestos waste collection service. 

These options will be more expensive than doing it yourself but remember you are dealing with a hazardous material that could harm your health. If you intend to dispose of asbestos yourself you need to do so in a safe manner. Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and face mask. The Health and Safety Executive have made some task sheets to help. 

The asbestos waste will need to be bagged (these are specialised bags that will need to be purchased) labelled and in some cases a permit will be required. Do not try and break up large asbestos sheets, instead wrap them in polythene sheeting. You will then need to transport the asbestos waste to any of the available asbestos disposal sites. When you transport asbestos waste place it in a suitable container preferably a sealed container to prevent any contamination of the vehicle.

Always check with your local hazardous waste centre to see if they accept fibrous asbestos, raw asbestos and asbestos waste.

Can I put Asbestos in a Mixed Waste Skip?

Asbestos waste cannot be put in a skip. This hazardous waste will contaminate all the other waste in the skip. In most cases the skip hire company will refuse to collect the skip if you have put asbestos waste in the skip.

What About Asbestos Skips?

Some skip companies will offer a specialised hire service for asbestos skips specifically for asbestos waste. These skips can only be filled with asbestos waste and nothing else. The asbestos waste will still need to bagged and labelled in the same manner. The type of skips used are lockable enclosed skips to prevent any hazardous material from escaping. 

Summary

• Asbestos is a hazardous materials that can cause harm to human health

• Asbestos removal services are a safe and convenient option

• Asbestos disposal must be done in the correct manner following asbestos regulations.