Asbestos disposal is one of the most misunderstood stages of an abatement project. Notably, it is easy for crews to get caught up in all the safety regulations surrounding asbestos removal; however, the main objective is to deliver a safe facility to a client. Still, proper disposal is critical because community health and environmental preservation depend on it. Therefore, facility managers should familiarise themselves with asbestos disposal guidelines to protect communities and the environment. This post explores key facts about asbestos disposal. 

A Duly Signed Hazardous Waste Manifest (HWM) is a Legal Requirement

Most clients know very little about asbestos removal, let alone disposal. Thus, few people have heard about a hazardous waste manifest despite its importance in asbestos disposal. Notably, facility managers need to transfer ownership of asbestos material to an abatement company to protect themselves against improper disposal. An HWM facilitates such transfer since it provides a clear picture of all parties that handled the asbestos and at what point. Typically, an HWM documents the type and amount of asbestos, abatement company details, transportation service provider, receipt, and handling of the waste. In case of irregular asbestos disposal, an HWM will protect you.

Commercial and Household Asbestos Transportation

Although commercial and household asbestos are the same, their disposal differs. Therefore, asbestos must be transported to a landfill by the right professionals and trucks. If an asbestos abatement company shows up at our commercial facility with a truck designed for transporting household asbestos, you should ask questions. If you do not make your concerns known, you will be complicit in illegally disposing of asbestos-containing materials (AMMs). Therefore, when searching for a service provider, confirm whether they deal with commercial asbestos, residential asbestos, or both. It ensures that asbestos material from a facility is transported to a licenced landfill for disposal.

Disposal is Restricted to Licenced Landfills

If you thought that asbestos abatement companies could drive into any council landfill to dispose of ACMs, you could not be more wrong. Different jurisdictions have special landfills designated for asbestos disposal, and abatement companies must adhere to the restrictions. Licenced landfills help reduce the rate at which disposal sites fill up while at the same time minimising the number of waste management crews exposed to the material. Asbestos disposal sites are further grouped into commercial and residential disposal facilities. Notably, the information is readily available on the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency's website. It will give you an idea of where the asbestos from your facility will be disposed of.