Erin's Energy Blog

Asbestos is dangerous to human health and should be removed immediately upon discovery. Asbestos abatement companies often handle such projects due to their expertise and high-tech equipment that guarantees safe removal. Once an asbestos crew eliminates the material from a facility, they must dispose of it appropriately to prevent exposing the public to asbestos-related health issues. However, asbestos abatement companies must meet specific requirements to ensure the appropriate disposal of asbestos. This post highlights critical requirements for safe asbestos disposal.

Issue a Hazardous Materials Manifest

Upon the completion of asbestos removal from a client's facility, an abatement company packs the material and transports it to a recycling plant or landfill. Typically, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) pass through several parties before disposal. Thus, asbestos abatement companies must maintain a register of every party involved in the disposal process. The log is referred to as a hazardous material manifest and is designed for accountability purposes. Besides, it is a legal requirement for an abatement company to issue duly signed hazardous materials manifest to clients or government officials for supervision. Most importantly, the dangerous materials manifest indicates who handled the asbestos and at what point during the disposal process.

Licensed Landfills

Property owners have a common misconception that asbestos abatement companies can dispose of and bury asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in any landfill. However, all landfills, including those close to human settlement, would be home to dangerous asbestos if it were true. Notably, there are designated and licensed landfills that allow asbestos disposal. Unlike standard garbage disposal sites where waste is left open, asbestos must be buried in licensed landfills. Burying asbestos ensures the fibres remain in the ground and do not become airborne, where they can be blown towards inhabited areas. In this regard, asbestos abatement companies must have a list of landfills licensed to accept asbestos waste. Some licensed landfills only accept asbestos in commercial quantities while others receive residential amounts.  

Disposal Requires Approved Transporters

Transporting asbestos and asbestos-containing material differs from handling regular garbage. Proper care is mandatory to ensure the safety of an asbestos removal crew and public members. This is why licensed landfills only accept asbestos brought in by approved transporters. For instance, licensed asbestos abatement companies are also approved transporters and can deliver the waste without restrictions. On the other hand, some rubbish removal companies can also obtain approval for asbestos transportation, although they are not abatement service providers.

For more information, contact an asbestos disposal service near you.