Properly getting rid of asbestos waste is essential when handling asbestos in UK homes. Whether you're a Chesterfield 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.
Here's how to find the right disposal site-and what you need to know before making the trip.
The Importance of Licensed Asbestos Disposal
Asbestos is classed as hazardous waste in the UK. That means it must be:
- Handled carefully to avoid fibre release,
- Double-bagged or wrapped in polythene with proper labelling,
- Disposed of at a licensed site local to Chesterfield and equipped to manage asbestos safely.
Dumping asbestos illegally carries both legal and health consequences.
Step-by-Step: How to Find a Licensed Asbestos Disposal Site Near Chesterfield
- Contact Your Local Authority 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:
- Is the facility authorised to receive asbestos?
- Is prior booking necessary?
- Are there rules about volume or wrapping?
- Is it only for domestic use, not trade or commercial waste?
- Search the EA's Database for Licensed Sites When dealing with larger loads or assisting others, a registered carrier might be needed. The EA maintains a public list of:
- Licensed Chesterfield 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:
- Enclosed in strong double-layer plastic sheeting.
- Marked visibly with official asbestos hazard labels.
- Kept securely separate during travel.
Personal protective equipment is vital, even for brief handling.
What You'll Need on the Day When visiting a disposal site:
- Bring ID and proof of address.
- Make sure you have confirmation of your scheduled slot.
- Keep asbestos apart from any other rubbish in your vehicle.
- Follow staff instructions carefully.
Sometimes, you'll need to complete paperwork to comply with tracking regulations.
Closing Advice
You should never be casual about how you dispose of asbestos. Most local authorities offer practical, safe options if you check first.
If in doubt, contact your local authority or speak to a licensed Chesterfield asbestos contractor. They can guide you through safe and compliant disposal procedures.
You can get a quote for asbestos testing, surveys and removal here.
We've got more information for Chesterfield residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Chesterfield Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- Identifying Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Chesterfield
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Chesterfield Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: