Where can asbestos be disposed of in the UK?

Asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry for years thanks to its resistant and durable properties. However, since 1999, it has been completely banned in the UK because of the serious health risks linked to heavy exposure. While this means that any building constructed or refurbished from the year 2000 will be asbestos-free, its presence is still a cause for concern for all properties built prior to this. Any waste that contains more than 0.1% asbestos is classed as an ACM (asbestos-containing material) and therefore a hazardous substance that must be handled correctly. Here we look at whom you need to contact if you need an asbestos removal service and where it can be disposed of safely in the UK.

What should I do if asbestos is found in my property?

Asbestos only becomes dangerous when it is disturbed or damaged and microscopically thin fibres are released into the air. If you’re the owner of a non-domestic property or in charge of its maintenance, you’ll need to have the building surveyed to find out whether any asbestos is present or in need of repair. This can be done by a professional asbestos removal company who will be able to conduct a thorough inspection of the property, so you know what you’re dealing with. If asbestos is found, the owner will need to inform people who could potentially disturb it (such as building contractors) to reduce the risk of exposure. Likewise, the owner of a domestic property will need to inform builders or maintenance workers that could damage any ACMs and cause harmful fibres to be released into the air.

Why is asbestos so harmful?

The micro-particles released from damaged asbestos are extremely harmful when breathed in regularly over a continual period of time. Regular exposure can lead to the onset of serious (and often fatal) respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and pulmonary thickening. For this reason, the HSE strongly advises using trained professionals to manage the removal of any materials that contain asbestos. Fully licenced experts will be able to offer advice on the best way to handle the ACM and take all legal requirements into consideration. In some cases, removing the asbestos will be the safest option, but there may be alternative solutions, all of which will be identified by the specialists.

Where is asbestos taken once it’s been removed?

Because it is a hazardous material, asbestos needs to be disposed of safely and in adherence with health and safety legislation. It is therefore in everyone’s best interest to consult the services of a licensed hazardous waste carrier who can collect the ACM from both residential and commercial sites. Once in their care, the asbestos will be taken to a designated landfill site in accordance with the Landfill Directive and Environmental Permitting Regulations, where it will be disposed off securely. By employing the services of trained professionals, you’ll be reassured that the asbestos removal will be conducted with the necessary precautions and without compromising anyone’s safety. In addition, asbestos specialists often have on-site dedicated waste transfer stations, so they can come to your assistance and remove any ACM from your premises with very little notice.

Contact Chirmarn about getting asbestos removed

If you’d like more information about asbestos removal services from Chirmarn, or would like to find out about asbestos removal and the dangers of the material, please fill out the contact form on our website, email info@chirmarn.co.uk or phone Chirmarn Asbestos Specialists at 0191 414 8000.