The Importance of Proper Asbestos Disposal

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in the construction industry. Its use was in various formats, including the use of loose asbestos fibres used as insulation and asbestos fibres being mixed with other materials to create asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).  ACMs are those containing more than 1% asbestos by weight. ACMs must be disposed of properly because they can release fibres into the air when disturbed or damaged. The proper disposal of asbestos is important because it’s been known to cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

In order for ACMs to be disposed of safely, they must first be removed from buildings by trained professionals who know how best to handle them without releasing harmful fibres into the air. Once removed from their original location, these materials need proper disposal at approved landfills or incinerator facility that has been certified by EPA or state agencies as being able to accept asbestos and handle asbestos waste safely without releasing asbestos fibres into the environment.

In this article, we’re going to discuss asbestos disposal procedures, including the risks of improper disposal, the legal requirements, and why you should always choose a professional when removing and disposing of asbestos materials.

Key Takeaways

  • Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) need to be disposed of properly as they can release fibres into the air when damaged or disturbed. 
  • ACMs must be removed from buildings by trained professionals who know how best to handle them without releasing harmful fibres into the air. 
  • Once removed from their original location, these materials need proper disposal at approved landfills or incinerator facilities that have been certified by EPA or state agencies.
  • Improper asbestos waste disposal poses health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres and can contaminate groundwater supplies and soil with toxic chemicals.
  • The cost of asbestos removal and disposal varies depending on the size, location, and type of material to be removed.

Risks of Improper Asbestos Disposal

Improper asbestos waste disposal poses a number of risks for not only the people removing and disposing of the materials, but any people or businesses who plan to occupy the building or area that the asbestos is removed from.

First, there are the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs like the lungs and abdomen.

Second, improper disposal can contaminate groundwater supplies and soil with toxic chemicals such as lead paint chips or mercury thermometers, which can then leach into drinking water sources. In Australia more than 6 million tonnes of hazardous waste is produced each year and if it’s not handled correctly, this could be dangerous; if you’re not sure how to handle your own hazardous materials properly, it’s best not to take any chances!

Asbestos disposal is governed by strict laws in Australia. The law requires that all asbestos products be transported and disposed of at a licensed waste facility. Asbestos removalists are required to have a license to transport and dispose of asbestos waste.

In addition to these legal requirements, there are also health and safety concerns surrounding the proper disposal of asbestos materials. When removing and disposing of asbestos materials, it’s important to use the correct protective clothing and equipment, such as an approved respirator mask or face shield, disposable clothing and gloves, eye protection, and a hard hat.

Proper Disposal Methods

Proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials is crucial, as they can be extremely hazardous to human health if not properly disposed of. The following are some of the most common types of asbestos and how you should dispose of them:

Asbestos ceiling tiles – These should be removed by a professional and disposed with other construction waste at an approved landfill site. If you choose to do this yourself, It’s important to ensure that the asbestos type is non-friable and only a small amount as there are strict rules about how much asbestos can be removed by an unlicensed person.

Asbestos flooring – Flooring made from asbestos cement can contain up to 25% asbestos (by weight). It’s best if you hire professionals who know how to handle these materials safely; otherwise, use caution when removing it yourself and avoid disturbing any dust from breaking apart any pieces until they’re ready for disposal (this will help prevent airborne contamination).

Benefits of Proper Asbestos Disposal

Proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials is an important step in protecting public health and the environment. It also has a positive impact on the community and future generations by ensuring that there are no hazardous waste sites in your neighbourhood, as well as limiting exposure to asbestos fibres in areas where they may be present.

Asbestos waste should only be disposed of at designated facilities that can handle them safely and legally.

fire remediation clean up project.

Asbestos Removal and Disposal Services

If you’re looking for an asbestos waste removal contractor, it’s important to choose one that is licensed and insured. This will help ensure that the work is done properly and safely.

There are many different types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), so it’s important to understand what each one and working with a professional asbestos removalist can make this a whole lot easier. If the ACM isn’t removed correctly, it could cause harm to your family members or employees who come into contact with it later on.

A professional asbestos removalist will not only be able to properly and safely remove the asbestos materials from your property but will also be able to dispose of it for you too. If you have removed the asbestos yourself, you need to take proper disposal methods. And working with a professional asbestos disposal team can save you time and money in the long run.

Costs of Asbestos Removal and Disposal

The cost of asbestos removal and disposal varies depending on the size, location and type of material to be removed. For example, a small amount of asbestos-containing flooring may cost less than removing large amounts of insulation from an entire building. This is because of the type of asbestos and the amount that needs to be removed.

The price also depends on whether you hire a licensed contractor or do the work yourself (DIY). In many cases, hiring a professional is worth it because they can ensure that all necessary safety precautions and regulations are followed during removal work, so you don’t accidentally expose yourself or others to harmful levels of airborne asbestos fibres.

Asbestos removal costs include not only the removal of the asbestos but usually the disposal costs too. If you’ve removed asbestos yourself but need help to dispose of it properly, you can hire a professional or head to a disposal site too which will likely have asbestos disposal fees associated with it too.

Importance of Choosing a Reputable Contractor When it Comes to Asbestos

When choosing a contractor to remove asbestos-containing materials, it is important to consider their qualifications and experience. A qualified company should have:

  • A license from the state or local government – there are different types of removal licenses available, including Class A & Class B, which you can learn more details about here;
  • Workers’ insurance coverage for all employees working on your job site;
  • Experience;
  • Free quotes

If you choose a contractor without these credentials, you risk being held liable if anything goes wrong during the removal process.

Asbestos Disposal by the Professionals

Asbestos waste and fibres are dangerous substances that can cause serious health problems if it’s not handled properly. If you’re looking for licensed asbestos removalists disposal services in Melbourne, Victoria, New South Wales or South Australia, you need Asbestos Australia Removalist. We not only have the experience and knowledge to dispose of your asbestos properly, but we’re also licensed professionals who can remove friable asbestos and non-friable asbestos and help to keep you safe.

Call us today on 03 9704 2952.

Tommy Clappers

Tommy Clappers

Tommy Clappers is the Owner and Founder of Asbestos Australia Removalist specialising as a Class A & B Licensed Company with highly trained ticketed staff with over 25+ years in the industry in Friable & Non-Friable Commercial, Industrial & Domestic. He's well-skilled in all types of Asbestos Removal and Hazardous Materials. He's an expert in Encapsulation, Soil Remediation and Industrial Cleaning. He prides himself on creating safer environments for his team and his client's safety and ensuring every removal is safe and clean. He currently resides in Melbourne, Australia.

Posted By: Tommy Clappers

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