Asbestos fly tipping problem

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Fly Tipped Asbestos in Pile

Fly Tipping in the UK: A Growing Problem

Fly-tipping asbestos in towns, villages, and rural areas is a serious health hazard in the UK. This illegal practice poses significant risks to the public, animals, and the environment. Alarmingly, asbestos accounts for 27% of all fly-tipping incidents, according to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).


The Health Risks of Asbestos

Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance (cancer-causing) that becomes dangerous when disturbed. Airborne fibres can be inhaled, leading to deadly diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Illegal fly-tipping often occurs in secluded areas and without proper safety measures. This puts:

  • The public: Pedestrians and nearby residents at risk of inhaling hazardous fibres.
  • Children: Who might unknowingly play with dumped materials.
  • Animals: Though cases are less documented, asbestos exposure has been linked to fatal diseases like mesothelioma in animals.

Moreover, damaged asbestos can harm the environment. Rainwater can spread the fibres into surrounding streams and soil, contaminating ecosystems and potentially affecting human health indirectly.

Fly-tipped-asbestos-cement

Where Does Fly-Tipping Happen?

Fly-tipping typically occurs in remote, out-of-sight locations to avoid detection. Common sites include:

  • Grass verges
  • Country lanes
  • Footpaths and hedgerows

Perpetrators often use cars or vans to dump waste, avoiding the costs associated with licensed disposal services.


What to Do If You Encounter Fly-Tipped Asbestos

If you find fly-tipped asbestos, follow these steps:

  1. Do not disturb the waste: Asbestos becomes dangerous when fibres are released into the air.
  2. Report the incident: Contact your local council if the waste is on public land. If it’s on private property, inform the landowner.
  3. Arrange for removal: Private landowners must hire licensed asbestos removal companies to handle the waste safely.

Complete Asbestos Surveys offers professional services for asbestos surveys and removal, ensuring hazardous waste is dealt with correctly.

Preventing Fly-Tipping in Yorkshire

Authorities across Yorkshire are working to combat fly-tipping through:

  • Surveillance: Monitoring high-risk areas to catch offenders.
  • Fines and penalties: Enforcing strict legal consequences for illegal dumping.
  • Public awareness campaigns: Educating the community on proper waste disposal.

By using licensed waste disposal services and reporting suspicious activity, individuals can help reduce fly-tipping incidents.


Need Assistance? Contact Complete Asbestos Surveys

If you’re unsure whether fly-tipped waste contains asbestos, contact Complete Asbestos Surveys for advice. We specialize in asbestos identification, surveys, and removal across Yorkshire. Let us ensure your safety and compliance with UK regulations.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How big of an issue is asbestos fly-tipping in the UK?
A: Asbestos fly-tipping is a major problem, accounting for 27% of all illegal dumping incidents, as per DEFRA. It poses health risks, including diseases like mesothelioma, and can contaminate the environment.

Q: What should I do if I find asbestos waste?
A: Do not disturb the waste. Report it to the council if it’s on public land or inform the landowner for private property. Always use licensed companies for safe removal.

Q: Are there measures to prevent fly-tipping?
A: Yes, local councils enforce penalties, conduct surveillance, and run public education campaigns. These efforts aim to deter illegal dumping and promote responsible waste management.


Further Reading

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