Asbestos removal and disposal

If you think that your property may contain asbestos, we can advise you on having it removed and disposed of.

Visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for information about asbestos or to download leaflets on asbestos. 

Asbestos in the home

If your property is more than 15 years old, it's possible that it contains materials made from asbestos.

Don't panic if you think you have asbestos in your home. The general rule is always leave asbestos alone. It's usually safe unless it's damaged or disturbed.

If in doubt about asbestos in your home, seek expert help before doing any work yourself.

Common locations of asbestos cement include:

• garage or shed roofs
• shed and garage wall panels
• drainpipes
• insulation board soffit, infill panels and partitions
• the side of bath panels.

If your home is rented, your landlord may have relevant information.

You can paint indoor materials with an alkali resistant paint such as PVA emulsion. You must never sand, drill or saw asbestos materials.

Always seek advice before thinking of removing asbestos. Do not attempt to remove asbestos lagging, spray coatings or large areas of insulation board by yourself, as these can only be safely removed by a licensed contractor.

Sometimes it will be necessary to take a sample, for example to identify the type of asbestos. You can search for details of companies to undertake this work under categories such as 'asbestos products and services' or 'asbestos removal'.

Asbestos removal

Asbestos cement can be safely removed by remembering the basic rules below.

• Prepare the work area by removing any unnecessary items.
• Cover the floor and surfaces with disposable polythene sheeting.
• Wear protective clothing such as a disposable overall with hood, disposable paper face mask (suitable for use with asbestos) and rubber or disposable gloves.
• Damp down using a plant sprayer or hosepipe, but don't soak the area as this will make cleaning up more difficult.
• Remove the asbestos without breaking it up. Wrap in polythene sheeting or bags, and seal with tape.
• Visually inspect the area and clear up any debris by hand.
• Wipe down with disposable damp clothes. Never use a vacuum cleaner as this will just spread dust around.
• Pick up polythene sheeting and remove protective clothing, Dispose of both as asbestos waste. Always remove the face mask last.
• Wash hands and face after the job is completed.

Asbestos disposal

Asbestos cement may sometimes be disposed of by householders at a Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

Contact the centre prior to your journey, to ensure that they can take your asbestos on the day.

If you intend to transport asbestos cement waste in your own vehicle, you do not need to be a registered carrier, provided that it is your own waste.

Take the following steps to ensure that asbestos does not contaminate your car:

• spray sheets of asbestos cement with water
• double wrap or double bag the asbestos cement with heavy duty polythene
• ensure that the wrapping is secured with tape
• make sure that no vehicle occupants have access to the asbestos waste.

Asbestos in the workplace

For removal and disposal of asbestos in a workplace, contact our Environmental Health department using the details below.

You can also contact the Health and Safety Executive via the HSE website or by calling 0845 345 0055.

Contact details

You can contact us for advice about asbestos using the details below.

Email: eandr@nfdc.gov.uk

Phone: 02380 285411

Environmental Health
Appletree Court
Beaulieu Road
Lyndhurst
SO43 7PA

Our office hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 8.45am to 5.15pm

Friday: 8.45am to 4.45pm