Asbestos

The maximum amount of asbestos collected will be no more than 12 sheets at 6ft X 3ft, or the equivalent in weight (360kg). This is approximately equivalent to a single garage roof.

sbestos sheets must be double wrapped in plastic sheeting and taped or, if in pieces, double bagged to prevent hazards during transport. Each parcel must weigh less than 25kg. The recommended plastic sheeting is Damp Proof Membrane (DPM). The plastic bags must be durable e.g. fertilizer bags or high strength bin liners. Both the plastic sheeting and bags can be purchased from builders merchants.

Household chemicals

Household chemicals can also be collected using this service. For each item for disposal, please provide the name of the product, the manufacturer, the quantity and whether the container is leak proof. If the containers are leak proof, we suggest you store all of the chemicals in a box to make the collection more efficient. If a container is leaking, please double bag it and store it separately from the other chemicals.

The 'date to be submitted' listed below is the last date we can accept requests for that particular collection date (for example, to be on the 5th & 6th March collection, we must have your request no later than 4:00pm 26th February).

In an annual survey of residents who used the hazardous waste collection service during 2011/12, 95% stated that they were either very satisfied, or fairly satisfied, with the level of service they received (an increase of 1% on the previous year). The survey highlighted that the area of greatest dissatisfaction was with the lack of information about the service. The Council will aim to raise the profile of the service by advertising in Council online magazines and through leaflets at the Household Waste Recovery Centres and Council buildings. Our aim is to continue to achieve 95% satisfaction in 2012/13.

Any building built before 2000 can contain asbestos.

Asbestos was extensively used as a building material in the UK from the 1930s through to the mid-1980s. It was used for a variety of purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and insulation.

Asbestos related diseases won't affect immediately but later on in life, so there is a need for you to protect yourself now to prevent you contracting an asbestos-related disease in the future.

Common places to find asbestos:

• Ceiling tiles
• Pipe insulation
• Boilers
• Sprayed coatings
• Asbestos cement sheeting
• Board around windows, radiators, fireplaces, building columns and pillars
• Soffit boards
• Textured coatings (Artex)
• Inside fire doors
• Gaskets and sealants on pipe joints
• Fuse boxes and electrical switchgear
• Rainwater downpipes and guttering
• Night storage heaters (some older models)

More information on common places to find asbestos here

Images of asbestos are available here

The following guidance has been taken from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advice for businesses/tradesmen and is for information only:

• Wear appropriate PPE i.e. disposable overalls, a face/dust mask (FFP3 type) and gloves.
• These should be double bagged and left for collection by contractors.
• Keep the area damp, this helps suppress potentially harmful fibres
• Minimise breaking up asbestos by removing any bolts carefully.
• Do not use any power tools when removing asbestos.
• Double wrap sheets of asbestos in heavy gauge polythene (from DIY shops).
• Seal up with Duct Tape.
• Double bag any smaller pieces.
• Old damp rags can be used to clean up area afterwards (these can also go in the bag for proper disposal).
• Don't smoke, eat or drink in the work area.
• Always take overalls off before facemask.
• Wear disposable shoe covers wherever possible.

If in doubt whether asbestos is present - leave it alone and seek professional advice from either:

• A licensed asbestos removal company
• The Health and Safety Executive - Telephone 0845 345 0055
• The Environmental Health Department - 0845 600 6400

Work to avoid - as a householder.

Asbestos insulation panels, sprayed coatings, insulation, pipe lagging and boilers must not be stripped out by a householder. This work should be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide guidance on asbestos removal and disposal and details of licensed asbestos removal contractors. They can be contacted on:-

Telephone 0845 345 0055

email hse.infoline@natbrit.com

web page www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/licensing/index.htm

The maximum amount of asbestos collected by our collection service will be no more than 12 sheets at 6ft X 3ft, or the equivalent in broken pieces (weight 360kg). This is approximately equivalent to a single garage roof.

If you have larger quantities than this, the following contractors can provide a quote for the collection of asbestos:

Our hazardous waste collection service is for disposal only. If you are unable to dismantle the asbestos and prepare it for collection, please contact the following companies: