Safe and lawful disposal of asbestos is a vital step in domestic asbestos management. You can't just take asbestos to any local dump-only approved sites can accept it, whether you've taken out cement sheets or old tanks.
Read on to find where and how to dispose of asbestos waste responsibly.
Why Safe Asbestos Disposal Is Important
UK regulations categorise asbestos as hazardous material. That means it must be:
- Dealt with cautiously to minimise fibre exposure,
- Double-bagged or wrapped in polythene with proper labelling,
- Delivered to certified waste centres in Highlane that can process asbestos securely.
Dumping asbestos illegally carries both legal and health consequences.
How to Identify a Certified Asbestos Drop-Off Location
- Check with Your Local Council Your council may run recycling centres that allow for domestic asbestos disposal. Begin your search online under your council's waste or recycling section.
You can also use the UK government's official search tool. Find a local asbestos disposal site on GOV.UK
Key things to check:
- Does the centre officially take asbestos waste?
- Must you schedule your visit?
- Does the site limit how much or how it's packaged?
- Can only private individuals use the service?
- Search the EA's Database for Licensed Sites When dealing with larger loads or assisting others, a registered carrier might be needed. You can access these details via the Environment Agency's public register:
- Licensed Highlane disposal facilities across Derbyshire (landfills and transfer stations)
- Registered hazardous waste carriers
- Speak with Your Asbestos Professional Your removal company can usually advise on approved waste sites. Most licensed asbestos removal companies have contracts with registered waste facilities, and some offer a collection-only service for homeowners.
Preparing Asbestos for Disposal Most sites require asbestos to be:
- Sealed securely in two layers of thick polythene, ideally 1,000 gauge.
- Properly tagged to alert of asbestos content.
- Carried safely in a sealed vehicle compartment.
Always use suitable protective gear-gloves and an FFP3-rated mask are essential.
What to Bring When Visiting the Site When visiting a disposal site:
- Bring ID and proof of address.
- Make sure you have confirmation of your scheduled slot.
- Ensure asbestos is isolated from other refuse during transport.
- Follow staff instructions carefully.
Sometimes, you'll need to complete paperwork to comply with tracking regulations.
In Summary
Disposing of asbestos isn't something you want to cut corners on. Fortunately, most local councils make it straightforward for homeowners to do it properly-as long as you follow the correct steps and call ahead.
If in doubt, contact your local authority or speak to a licensed Highlane asbestos contractor. They'll ensure you manage everything by the book and avoid unnecessary risk.
You can get a quote for asbestos testing, surveys and removal here.
We've got more information for Highlane residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Highlane Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Finding Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Highlane
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Highlane Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: