Asbestos waste is considered to be “hazardous waste” when it contains more than 0.1% asbestos, meaning that your waste will require a consignment note that records the fact that the waste was taken and disposed of in accordance with the requirements set out by the Environment Agency.

A consignment note is required whenever hazardous waste is to be transferred from one site to another.

In Scotland, different regulations apply and advice should be sought from The Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

All asbestos waste (throughout the United Kingdom), is subject to Schedule 2 of the Control of Asbestos regulations 2006 and in most cases, waste will also be subject to the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (etc) Regulations 2004 (CDG),

CDG does not normally apply to asbestos cement and other firmly bound asbestos containing materials that do not release breathable fibres easily.

It has been known for individuals to mix asbestos waste with oher waste so that the overall asbestos content of the waste is less than 0.1%, but this is covered in the regulations and is not permitted.

Packaging Of Asbestos Waste

Asbestos waste must be packed in UN approved packaging with a CDG Hazard sign and asbestos code information visible.

Asbestos waste should be double-wrapped and be clearly marked as asbestos waste. Normal accepted practice is to use a red inner bag containing asbestos warning and a clear outer bag with the CDG sign.

Examples of the bags used appear opposite.

Carrying Asbestos Waste In Vehichles

If you are a domestic customer disposing of a small amount of asbestos material such as old cement based roof sheets, pipes, cisterns that do not easily release fibres, you should wrap the waste as described above and, if local facilities exist for disposal, you can take the waste to the site without any problems.

If you regularly transport asbestos containing materials to transfer stations or asbestos waste disposal facilities, then you should use either a locked skip or waste container or a vehicle with segregated compartments for asbestos. The compartments should be easy to clean.

Otherwise, you should arrange collection of waste using a properly registered hazardous waste carrier.

Asbestos waste must only be disposed of at a licensed disposal site and consignment notes must be kept for at least 3 years.

The above suggestions should be considered to be the minimum to comply with the law in England and Wales. Further guidance is available from the following web sites:

Health & Safety Executive | The Environment Agency | Scottish Environment Protection Agency | NetRegs