This advice is intended domestic householders. What is
asbestos?
It is a naturally mined mineral used because it has properties
of heat and chemical resistance, great strength and is almost
indestructible. There are several different types (commonly known
as white, blue and brown) but being aware of the type makes
little practical difference.
Where has it been used?
Buildings constructed from the 1950's to the late 1970's are
likely to contain asbestos although it may not be obvious. Although
asbestos is no longer used in building materials, it was only
phased out relatively recently and some materials were manufactured
using asbestos as late as 1999.
It can be found in corrugated cement roofs, panels in walls and
ceilings, in fire doors, roofing felts, floor tiles and textured
decorative coatings. Another very common location is in boiler
rooms, either as lagging or in the structure of the room.
Is all asbestos dangerous?
The fibres themselves are always potentially harmful to health,
and can cause serious, sometimes fatal, diseases. However, not all
materials that contain asbestos will release fibres - it depends on
their condition and location.
Does all asbestos need to be removed?
No, in fact this can often create more problems. If the material
is in an undamaged condition, or is enclosed / encapsulated in some
way it is usually safer to leave it alone. Those in charge of
business premises are required to note where it is (or mark it with
a label) so that precautions can be taken if work needs to be
done that might disturb it.
Some types of asbestos have to be removed by licensed
contractors, and some - such as corrugated cement roofs - do not,
although work must be carried out in a safe manner. For further
advice on this, contact the Health and Safety Team on
01376 552525.
What are the legal requirements?
Householders do not have any legal duty other than to dispose of
any asbestos safely, but businesses and organisations now have to
take steps to identify the asbestos in their premises.
Can asbestos be disposed of at the local household waste
recycling centre?
Do not take asbestos of any description to
Essex County Council Recycling Centres because it will not
be accepted. The recycling centres are licensed by the Environment
Agency to only accept household waste.
If the removal of asbestos is necessary the following
options are available:
Use a licensed asbestos contractor (see Asbestos Removal in the
Yellow Pages or contact the Health and Safety Executive on 01245
706 200). Ask for proof of licence if you have any concerns about
the competence of the contractor.
Dismantle the item yourself (with caution and ideally after wetting
the material) and use a waste contractor/skip company to dispose of
it. Contact the Waste and Recycling Helpline on 0845 603 7625
for details of the Household Hazardous Waste Scheme and to arrange
a collection of bonded asbestos for a charge.
You can request for small amounts (up to 40kg) of bonded asbestos
products to be collected from your house and safely disposed of
free of charge once in any council tax year. For example, one small
asbestos water tank or one 2.4 x 1.2m (8 x 4ft) sheet would be
collected free of charge.
Larger amounts can be collected by the council’s household
hazardous waste contractor at the same time but there will be a
charge, which must be paid prior to collection.
Take it to a licensed site, ensuring that the asbestos is wetted
and bagged/wrapped. Details of licensed sites can be obtained from
the Environment Agency* on 08708 506 506. This will usually be the
cheapest option for amounts over 40kg. Call the site first, do not
just turn up.
Asbestos waste from any business or trade must be disposed of at
a licensed asbestos site - there are very few of these in the UK so
the best course of action is to contact a licensed asbestos removal
/ disposal contractor - see Yellow Pages www.yell.com.
Where can I get further information on asbestos safety?
Look for the answer to your question on one of these
websites:
www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
www.asbestoswatchdog.co.uk