Properly getting rid of asbestos waste is essential when handling asbestos in UK homes. Even small amounts of asbestos from home DIY or landlord maintenance must go to a registered disposal centre.
This guide will help you locate the correct site and prepare properly.
Why Safe Asbestos Disposal Is Important
UK regulations categorise asbestos as hazardous material. Therefore, it must be:
- Carefully managed to prevent airborne fibres,
- Wrapped in thick polythene and clearly labelled,
- Taken only to authorised locations set up to handle asbestos.
Illegal disposal-or fly-tipping-can result in serious fines and health risks.
Finding a Legal Asbestos Waste Site: A Step-by-Step Guide
- 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. Start by visiting your council's website and searching for "asbestos disposal."
You may also search the national register at https://www.gov.uk/asbestos-in-home. Find a local asbestos disposal site on GOV.UK
Key things to check:
- Is the site licensed to accept asbestos?
- Must you schedule your visit?
- Are there rules about volume or wrapping?
- Is it only for domestic use, not trade or commercial waste?
- Use the Environment Agency's Public Registers Bigger quantities or third-party removals may require an approved waste handler. The EA maintains a public list of:
- Licensed Cotmanhay 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. Most licensed asbestos removal companies have contracts with registered waste facilities, and some offer a collection-only service for homeowners.
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.
- 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:
- Bring ID and proof of address.
- Have your booking confirmation if required.
- Transport asbestos separately from other waste.
- Pay attention to safety instructions from site personnel.
Sites may request a form to document hazardous waste deliveries.
Closing Advice
You should never be casual about how you dispose of asbestos. Fortunately, most local councils make it straightforward for homeowners to do it properly-as long as you follow the correct steps and call ahead.
When unsure, reach out to a professional or your local council. 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 Cotmanhay residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Cotmanhay Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Locating Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste in Cotmanhay
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Cotmanhay Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: