Can Asbestos be Put in a Skip?

Can Asbestos Be Put in a Skip?

No, asbestos cannot be put in a skip. Asbestos is hazardous waste and cannot be collected through your weekly bin collection or taken to landfill in the usual way. Due to the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it must be disposed of in a specific, safe manner. In this article, we discuss what asbestos waste is and how best to dispose of it.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a highly hazardous mineral made up of tiny fibres 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 insulating properties. Asbestos can still be found in many properties today.

Asbestos may also be present in other products, such as:

• Brake pads

• Gaskets

• Roofing materials

• Fire blankets

• Ironing board surfaces

• Insulating mats

• Car clutch linings

What is Asbestos Waste?

Asbestos waste includes asbestos itself and any material contaminated by asbestos fibers. This can consist of:

• Personal clothing

• Contaminated PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

• Demolition rubble

All these items must be disposed of in the same manner as asbestos.

How Can I Dispose of Asbestos?

If you find asbestos in your property, contact your local council for advice on what to do next. The best option is to hire a specialized asbestos removal service. This professional service will ensure the safe removal and disposal of asbestos, making it the most convenient and secure choice for asbestos disposal.

While these services may be more expensive than disposing of asbestos yourself, remember that you are dealing with a hazardous material that can seriously affect your health. If you intend to dispose of asbestos yourself, it is crucial to do so safely. Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask. The Health and Safety Executive provides task sheets to help guide safe handling.

When disposing of asbestos, you must use specialized asbestos bags, label them correctly, and may need a permit. Do not break up large asbestos sheets; instead, wrap them in polythene sheeting. You will need to transport the asbestos waste to a licensed asbestos disposal site, placing it in a suitable, sealed container to prevent contamination of your vehicle.

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

Can Asbestos Be Put in a Mixed Waste Skip?

Asbestos cannot be put in a mixed waste skip. This is because asbestos waste will contaminate all other materials in the skip. Most skip hire companies will refuse to collect the skip if asbestos waste is found inside.

What About Asbestos Skips?

Some skip companies offer specialised hire services for asbestos skips, which are designed specifically for asbestos waste. These skips are exclusively for asbestos and must not be mixed with any other type of waste. Asbestos waste still needs to be bagged and labeled properly. The skips used are usually lockable and enclosed to prevent any hazardous material from escaping.

Summary

1. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can pose severe health risks.

2. Asbestos removal services are a safe and convenient disposal option.

3. Asbestos disposal must follow strict regulations to ensure safety.