Asbestos describes a class of minerals that form strong fibres resistant to strength and fire. Thanks to their durability, these minerals were very popular during the 20th century and were incorporated in building materials, such as insulation, roofing, floor tile, acoustic materials and other. The use of asbestos has been prohibited so it is no longer mined. It was banned in the UK in 1999. But, unless your house was built after 2000, products that contain asbestos are likely to be found somewhere. If you are a homeowner and you’re unlucky enough to discover asbestos in your property, don’t worry. Getting rid of it is simple if you know what you’re doing. We bring you safe and efficient tips on how to dispose of it safely.
DIY approach – Be careful!
If you’re carrying out home improvement work and you find these extremely hazardous fibres, you have to be very careful when handling it. It would be perfect to hire the most experienced builders waste clearance in London that has appropriate training and equipment for disposing of such waste. But, if you decide to remove it on your own, handle it with care. Here is some advice on how to protect yourself:
- put on PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) with a respirator or dust mask
- wear safety glasses or goggles, gloves, hat
- do not eat, drink or smoke in the construction site
- do not use power tools
- do not scrub with a stiff brush
- do not water blast asbestos sheets
- avoid cutting and drilling it
- use water and soap to wash your hands and face after the work is done
If you have a vehicle, you can take bagged asbestos and drive it to your local tip. This is the easiest and cheapest way to dispose of asbestos. It’s completely free to dump asbestos at your local tip as a householder. However, it is very important to check with your local authority before doing this because some council tips do not allow you to do this. Nevertheless, if you are renting the place and find asbestos, contact your landlord. It is their responsibility to manage any asbestos in the building.
Use your local council’s collection service
You can use your local collection service to dispose of asbestos. It won’t cost you much as this option is a bit cheaper than using a private contractor. However, if you have a lot of waste, they might not be able to take it all at once so you may have to wait at least a week until the next collection time. Contact your local council to find more information and make the necessary arrangements.
Use a professional junk removal company
You can have your asbestos removed from your property safely and probably the same day if you hire an established rubbish removal in Ruxley DA14, BR5, for example. These professionals are trained to handle hazardous waste and they will dispose of asbestos in compliance with health and safety regulations. If you’re unsure about disposing of asbestos by yourself, it is best to leave its removal in the hands of those who know what they’re doing.
