What happens to the asbestos after it’s been removed?
Posted
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 removal doesn’t just involve getting rid of the asbestos material itself. The process also generates other contaminated waste:
- Protective Gear: Disposable coveralls, gloves, and masks used by contractors.
- Cleaning Materials: Rags, cloths, and vacuum bags used during cleanup.
- Protective Coverings: Polythene sheeting and protective floor coverings, even if wiped down.
All of these items are considered asbestos-contaminated waste.
The waste must be carefully packaged in UN-approved bags. These bags have a specific “Y” marking with a number indicating the maximum weight they can hold. The asbestos is double-bagged: a red sealed bag inside a clear outer bag, all tightly sealed.
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?
Engaging a licensed asbestos removal contractor like Complete Asbestos Surveys ensures the process is safe and compliant. Professionals handle everything, from packaging and transportation to disposal, eliminating the risks and hassles of DIY removal.
Where Does the Asbestos Go?
Once asbestos is correctly wrapped and sealed, here’s what happens next:
Landfill sites are closely monitored by the Environment Agency to ensure safety. Over time, these sites are landscaped and inspected regularly.
Temporary Storage: For small amounts, it’s placed in a designated waste compartment in our vans. Larger quantities go directly into asbestos waste skips.
Transportation: The waste is transported to a licensed waste transfer station. Contractors like us hold an Environment Agency license and provide a waste consignment note for each load.
Final Disposal:
The waste transfer station sends the asbestos to a licensed landfill site for burial.
Future Alternatives to Landfill
Landfilling asbestos waste is currently the most common disposal method, but advancements in technology could change that. Research is underway to develop incineration methods for asbestos. While this technology isn’t yet in widespread use, it offers a promising future solution, reducing reliance on landfills and ongoing monitoring.
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
Key Takeaways
- Asbestos disposal involves not just the material itself but also contaminated tools and protective gear.
- Attempting DIY disposal is risky and not recommended.
- Licensed professionals handle asbestos waste safely, from removal to final disposal.
- Landfill remains the primary disposal method, but incineration technology may become viable in the future.
This revised version includes subheadings, shorter sentences, active voice, and transition words for improved readability. It also incorporates an external link to an authoritative UK resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What precautions are taken during the disposal process to ensure the safe handling of asbestos waste?
A. Asbestos waste is carefully wrapped or bagged in UN-marked bags or heavy-duty polythene to prevent any release of fibers.
The disposal process is carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors who are equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and coveralls to minimize exposure.
The waste is handled according to strict regulations and guidelines to prevent any environmental or health hazards.
Q. Can homeowners dispose of asbestos waste themselves, and if so, what are the risks associated with this approach?
A. While some local councils may allow homeowners to dispose of small amounts of asbestos waste themselves, it is strongly advised against due to the associated risks.
Homeowners may not have the proper training or equipment to handle asbestos safely, increasing the risk of exposure.
Improper disposal can lead to contamination of the environment and potential health hazards for oneself and others.
Q. Where does the asbestos waste go after it’s been collected, and what happens to it at the disposal sites?
A. Asbestos waste is transported to licensed waste transfer stations by asbestos removal contractors.
The waste is then taken to licensed landfill sites, where it is buried in designated areas.
Landfill sites undergo continuous monitoring and inspection by regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Although technology for incinerating asbestos waste exists, it is not yet widely implemented, but it may become more prevalent in the future as an alternative to traditional landfill disposal.
Further Reading
