Key Points in This Blog
- Asbestos waste must be packaged and sealed correctly.
- Contaminated PPE and cleaning materials are also asbestos waste.
- Waste is transported to licensed waste transfer stations.
- Asbestos is usually disposed of at licensed landfill sites.
- Waste consignment notes provide a record of its disposal.
What Happens to Asbestos After It’s Removed?
This is one of the most common questions we get from homeowners. Many people are curious about the journey of asbestos waste once it has been removed. Let’s break it down step by step.
The Waste: What Gets Disposed Of?
Asbestos waste must be securely contained and appropriately labelled. Suitable packaging depends on the waste: smaller items may require approved double-bagging, while larger sheets or components need suitable wrapping or containers.
Materials should not be broken up simply to fit them into bags. Packaging, handling and transport arrangements should be agreed with the contractor and receiving facility.
Our asbestos collection and disposal service explains the collection process and the documentation customers should receive.
Can You Dispose of Asbestos Yourself?
Some councils allow homeowners to dispose of small amounts of asbestos themselves, but this is not something we recommend.
Consider the Risks:
- Handling Hazardous Material: Do you want to risk handling asbestos without proper equipment or training?
- Specialized Tools: Do you have the correct PPE, masks, and UN-approved bags?
- Contamination Risks: Transporting asbestos in your vehicle could result in contamination, especially if there’s an accident.
Why Choose Professional Disposal?
A competent contractor should arrange suitable packaging, a registered waste carrier and a facility authorised to accept the asbestos waste.
An HSE asbestos-removal licence and waste-carrier registration serve different purposes. The removal licence applies to licensable asbestos work. Waste-carrier registration relates to transporting waste and does not authorise a contractor to carry out licensable asbestos removal.
Complete Asbestos Surveys provides non-licensed asbestos removal and asbestos collection and disposal. Where work requires an HSE-licensed contractor, that requirement must be identified before work begins and a suitably licensed contractor appointed.
Read our guide to licensed, non-licensed and notifiable asbestos work for more detail.
Where Does the Asbestos Go?
After suitable packaging, asbestos waste is transported to a facility authorised to accept it. It may go to a permitted transfer station before onward disposal, or directly to an appropriate disposal facility.
A transfer station is an intermediate destination, not necessarily the final disposal site.
Asbestos waste is commonly disposed of in an authorised landfill facility, including designated asbestos cells where the permit allows. Burial contains the material; it does not make the asbestos harmless. Asbestos should not be burnt or placed in ordinary mixed waste.
What Paperwork Should You Receive?
For asbestos waste collected by a contractor in England, ask for the hazardous waste consignment note and relevant receiving-facility documentation.
Check that the records identify the waste, carrier and receiving site. If the first destination is a transfer station, do not mistake that record for confirmation of final landfill disposal.
Before booking, ask who will collect the waste, check their waste-carrier registration and confirm what documentation will be supplied.
Why Professional Disposal Makes Sense
When you compare the cost and risks of DIY disposal with hiring a professional asbestos contractor, the choice is clear. Professionals ensure:
- Compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Proper handling and transportation to prevent contamination.
- Peace of mind, knowing the waste is dealt with responsibly.
Learn More
For more information about asbestos regulations and disposal, visit the governments disposal guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Are Taken When Disposing of Asbestos Waste?
Waste should be suitably packaged, labelled and handled to minimise fibre release. The contractor must arrange appropriate transport and an authorised receiving facility.
An HSE asbestos-removal licence is required where the removal task is licensable. Waste-carrier registration is a separate requirement for businesses transporting the waste.
Can Homeowners Take Asbestos Waste to a Council Recycling Centre?
Some councils accept limited quantities of household asbestos cement, subject to their own restrictions, booking arrangements and packaging requirements. Others do not accept it.
Check directly with your council before arranging disposal. Acceptance at a recycling centre does not mean the material is suitable for DIY removal.
For help arranging collection, see our asbestos collection and disposal service.
Where Does Asbestos Waste Go After Collection?
It may go directly to an authorised disposal facility or first to a permitted waste transfer station. Final disposal commonly takes place at a landfill authorised to accept asbestos.
Ask your contractor to explain the route and provide the relevant waste records. You can also read our asbestos disposal guide for further information.
