How do I dispose of asbestos waste?
Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at designated landfills that are authorized to accept asbestos. The local Health Department or local EPA authority should be able to provide a list of licensed disposal sites. Asbestos should be kept wet while it is being containerized in order to prevent the release of asbestos fibers and must be stored in leak-proof containers. Asbestos can be stored in multiple plastic bags with a cumulative thickness of at least 12 mils. It can also be stored in a single plastic bag or in multiple plastic bags with a cumulative thickness of fewer than 12 mils as long as the cumulative thickness is at least 6 mils and the plastic bags containing the asbestos waste are sealed in a fiberboard or steel drum. All containers used to store asbestos waste must be labeled with appropriate hazardous waste warnings. All containers used to transport regulated asbestos-containing material must be labeled with the name of the waste generator and the location where the waste was generated. It is also important to ensure that the outsides of containers are not contaminated with asbestos debris clinging to the surface.
When transporting asbestos waste from the generation site to the disposal site, it is important to take all appropriate precautions. All vehicles which are used to transport asbestos waste must be marked as containing asbestos during loading and unloading. It is recommended (in some states the law) that vehicles used to transport asbestos waste have an enclosed carrying compartment or at least a canvas covering. Additionally, a WSR (waste shipment record) must be properly filled out and accompany the asbestos waste from the generation point to the landfill. This Waste Shipment Record must be signed by the Generator and transporter and given to the disposal site owner or operator when the waste is delivered.
Sometimes it may be necessary to temporarily store asbestos before disposal, but please note that this is only a temporary solution. Asbestos waste can be stored at the generation site in appropriate containers for up to 90 days but should be disposed of as soon as it is practical. If you are temporarily storing asbestos, it is important to do so safely in order to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure. The waste should be in an area with controlled access, and should not be stored near other solid waste. When storing asbestos waste, always make sure that containers are not damaged or leaking and that they are protected from weather and from physical damage.