Properly getting rid of asbestos waste is essential when handling asbestos in UK homes. Whether you're a Bankwood Gate 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.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
In the UK, asbestos is officially labelled hazardous waste. This means the following conditions apply:
- Dealt with cautiously to minimise fibre exposure,
- Double-bagged or wrapped in polythene with proper labelling,
- Taken only to authorised locations set up to handle asbestos.
Dumping asbestos illegally carries both legal and health consequences.
How to Identify a Certified Asbestos Drop-Off Location
- Check with Your Local Council Many local authorities have one or more household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) that accept small quantities of asbestos from domestic properties. Begin your search online under your council's waste or recycling section.
Alternatively, try the government-approved directory: Find a local asbestos disposal site on GOV.UK
Key things to check:
- Is the site licensed to accept asbestos?
- Is prior booking necessary?
- Are there quantity or packaging restrictions?
- 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. The Environment Agency (EA) keeps a public register of:
- Licensed Bankwood Gate disposal facilities across Derbyshire (landfills and transfer stations)
- Registered hazardous waste carriers
- Speak with Your Asbestos Professional Surveyors and licensed contractors often have established disposal partners. Many contractors are linked to approved centres and may even pick up waste for you.
How to Package Asbestos for Safe Transport Most sites require asbestos to be:
- Sealed securely in two layers of thick polythene, ideally 1,000 gauge.
- Clearly labelled with asbestos warning stickers.
- Kept securely separate during travel.
Always use suitable protective gear-gloves and an FFP3-rated mask are essential.
What You'll Need on the Day When visiting a disposal site:
- Take documents confirming your identity and address.
- Make sure you have confirmation of your scheduled slot.
- Transport asbestos separately from other waste.
- Pay attention to safety instructions from site personnel.
You may also be asked to fill out a waste declaration form, especially if the site requires tracking of hazardous materials.
Closing Advice
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 Bankwood Gate asbestos contractor. They'll help you navigate the process legally and safely.
You can get a quote for asbestos testing, surveys and removal here.
We've got more information for Bankwood Gate residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Bankwood Gate Aim To Find?
- Finding Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste in Bankwood Gate
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Bankwood Gate Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: