Asbestos is a very dangerous substance that must be disposed of at specialist licensed sites, but there are strict guidelines as to how the asbestos must be prepared before disposal. The exact rules will depend on the site, but there are some clear guidelines on how to prepare asbestos before disposing of it.
Keep the asbestos wet
If you are disposing of solid asbestos, you will need to make sure it is thoroughly wetted with clean water before you attempt to prepare it. This is to minimise the amount of dust that can come off the asbestos. The dust can get into the lungs and cause respiratory problems, so preventing it from escaping is extremely important.
Wrap it in plastic
Next, the asbestos must be thoroughly wrapped in thick builder's plastic. Polythene wrap or bags will not be thick enough — the plastic must be heavy-duty and resistant to being torn or weakened. You should take care that the asbestos is completely covered and that there are no gaps or holes in the plastic where some of the dust could escape. Also, you should make sure that the resulting parcel is small enough to be easily manageable. Pieces of asbestos that are too big or heavy to be easily manoeuvred are prone to being dropped or dragged, which will damage the plastic.
Seal the plastic
Once it has been wrapped, the asbestos package must be thoroughly sealed. Household tapes will not be strong enough to do this — you need to use duct tape or builder's tape to ensure that the package is completely airproof.
Unload it carefully
No matter how well the asbestos has been wrapped, there is always a danger that the plastic will be damaged if it is not handled carefully. Do not drag or throw the asbestos — move it carefully, using both hands, and with a partner if necessary — although you will do better to transport the asbestos in quantities that you can easily move.
Contact the disposal site
Most importantly, find out from the disposal site where you need to go, how to unload the asbestos and any other rules regarding its transportation and disposal. Also, note that some sites may only accept asbestos at particular times.
Asbestos is a dangerous material that can be disposed of safely, provided you adhere to the instructions you are given by the disposal site.
To learn more about asbestos disposal, contact a local disposal site.