Disposing of asbestos waste safely and legally is a critical part of managing asbestos in any domestic setting. Whether you're a Shardlow homeowner who's removed a few old asbestos cement sheets or a landlord clearing out an old water tank, you can't simply take asbestos to your local tip unless it's a licensed facility.
Read on to find where and how to dispose of asbestos waste responsibly.
The Importance of Licensed Asbestos Disposal
Asbestos is classed as hazardous waste in the UK. This means the following conditions apply:
- Dealt with cautiously to minimise fibre exposure,
- Wrapped in thick polythene and clearly labelled,
- Disposed of at a licensed site local to Shardlow and equipped to manage asbestos safely.
Improper disposal, such as fly-tipping, can lead to severe penalties and danger.
Finding a Legal Asbestos Waste Site: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Start with Your Council's Waste Services Many local authorities have one or more household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) that accept small quantities of asbestos from domestic properties. Start by visiting your council's website and searching for "asbestos disposal."
Alternatively, try the government-approved directory: Find a local asbestos disposal site on GOV.UK
Key things to check:
- Is the facility authorised to receive asbestos?
- Must you schedule your visit?
- Does the site limit how much or how it's packaged?
- Is it exclusive to homeowners and not commercial operators?
- Consult the Environment Agency's Online Listings When dealing with larger loads or assisting others, a registered carrier might be needed. The EA maintains a public list of:
- Licensed Shardlow 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. Many contractors are linked to approved centres and may even pick up waste for you.
Preparing Asbestos for Disposal Most sites require asbestos to be:
- Sealed securely in two layers of thick polythene, ideally 1,000 gauge.
- Marked visibly with official asbestos hazard labels.
- Kept securely separate during travel.
Wear appropriate PPE (including gloves and an FFP3 mask) when handling the materials-even for short journeys.
What You'll Need on the Day When visiting a disposal site:
- Take documents confirming your identity and address.
- Have your booking confirmation if required.
- Transport asbestos separately from other waste.
- Follow staff instructions carefully.
You may also be asked to fill out a waste declaration form, especially if the site requires tracking of hazardous materials.
Closing Advice
Asbestos disposal is not an area where shortcuts are acceptable. Most local authorities offer practical, safe options if you check first.
If you're uncertain, get advice from your council or an asbestos expert near Shardlow. 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 Shardlow residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Shardlow Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Locating Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste in Shardlow
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Shardlow Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: