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Asbestos disposal

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It was widely used as a building material in the UK before 1999. If asbestos fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases. Asbestos is known as the greatest single cause of work-related deaths in the UK, leading to around 4500 deaths a year.

Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) aren't usually dangerous unless they're disturbed. You shouldn't attempt to remove ACMs yourself, and should seek specialist advice.

What asbestos could be found in

Some of the items where asbestos could be found include:

  • pipe lagging
  • corrugated cement sheeting
  • floor tiles
  • insulation board
  • fire doors
  • textured coatings
  • brake pads
  • gaskets

This isn't a complete list, and asbestos could be in many materials manufactured before 1999.

How to dispose of asbestos

Households

If you have concerns about asbestos in your own home you can find asbestos advice for householders on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

You may remove asbestos containing materials from your own home, as long as you dispose of them in the right way. We strongly advise you use a licensed expert to carry out any work with asbestos. You can find a list of accredited asbestos removal companies who are approved by the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association.

Small amounts of asbestos can be disposed of at Worsbrough household waste recycling centre by booking an appointment in advance. Find out how to make an asbestos disposal booking or call us on 01226 773555.

If you live in a rented property and are concerned it may be affected by asbestos, please email us at housingenforcement@barnsley.gov.uk or call 01226 773555.

Workplaces

If you think there's asbestos in your workplace, you should contact either our health and safety team or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), depending on your main work activity. Check the relevant health and safety authority for your type of workplace.

Fly-tipped asbestos

If you think asbestos has been illegally fly-tipped, you can report fly-tipping online or call 01226 773555.