What Can You Put in an Asbestos Skip? A Guide to Accepted Asbestos Waste
If you're arranging asbestos removal, knowing what can go into your asbestos skip is an important part of planning the work.
An asbestos skip is a dedicated container for agreed asbestos-containing waste. It isn't a general construction waste skip, and the materials being collected need to be correctly identified before disposal arrangements are confirmed.
At Smart Environmental, we provide enclosed asbestos skips for roofing contractors, construction companies, agricultural customers and commercial projects across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
This guide explains the types of asbestos waste we can discuss accepting, which materials need separate arrangements and what information we'll need before supplying your container.
For an overview of our service, visit our Asbestos Skip Hire page.
What Types of Asbestos Waste Can Go in an Asbestos Skip?
Asbestos-containing materials come in different forms, and their condition and characteristics affect how they must be handled.
Our enclosed asbestos skips are supplied for agreed asbestos waste. Acceptance must be confirmed before delivery, particularly where the material is damaged, friable or mixed with other waste.
Asbestos Cement Roofing Sheets
Asbestos cement roofing sheets are commonly encountered during the refurbishment or replacement of older industrial, commercial and agricultural roofs.
We regularly provide enclosed asbestos skips for roofing contractors and agricultural projects involving asbestos cement roofing materials.
If you're arranging a roof replacement, tell us the approximate roof area, the material being removed and the expected quantity of waste.
This will help us discuss the appropriate container and collection arrangements.
Asbestos Cement Cladding
Older buildings may contain asbestos cement cladding panels.
These can be encountered during building refurbishment, demolition and agricultural improvement projects.
Asbestos cement cladding may be suitable for an enclosed asbestos skip, subject to confirmation of the material and waste acceptance arrangements.
Asbestos Cement Products
Other asbestos cement products may include certain panels, pipes, gutters and associated building components.
The exact material must be identified and agreed before it is placed in the container.
Do not assume that every product suspected of containing asbestos will be accepted under the same arrangements.
Other Asbestos-Containing Materials
Some projects generate other asbestos-containing materials, including fibrous products.
These materials may require different removal, containment and waste handling arrangements.
Fibrous asbestos waste requiring bagging must be double-bagged using appropriate asbestos waste bags.
Tell us exactly what material is being removed so we can confirm whether it can be accepted and what arrangements are required.
For guidance on identifying asbestos-containing materials and planning work, see the HSE's Asbestos Essentials guidance.
Can Different Types of Asbestos Waste Go in the Same Skip?
Not automatically.
Although an asbestos skip is a dedicated container, that doesn't mean every asbestos-containing material can be combined without prior agreement.
Different materials may have different handling, containment and disposal requirements.
Before booking, tell us if your project involves more than one type of asbestos waste.
For example, a building refurbishment might involve asbestos cement products alongside another asbestos-containing material.
We can then confirm whether the waste can be accepted under the proposed arrangements or whether separate arrangements are required.
The important point is to agree the waste types before loading begins.
Can General Building Waste Go in an Asbestos Skip?
No. Our asbestos skips are supplied for agreed asbestos waste, not general building waste.
Do not add unrelated materials such as:
- General rubble or hardcore.
- Timber and pallets.
- Scrap metal.
- Ordinary packaging.
- General site rubbish.
- Unrelated demolition waste.
Adding general waste can create unnecessary disposal problems and may affect whether the load can be accepted.
If your project generates both asbestos and ordinary construction waste, arrange separate containers.
Smart Environmental also provides RoRo Skip Hire for suitable non-asbestos waste, including dedicated and mixed waste containers.
Can You Put Asbestos in a Normal Skip?
No. Asbestos must not be placed in an ordinary general waste skip.
Asbestos waste requires dedicated arrangements for containment, collection, transport and disposal.
It must be correctly classified and directed to a facility authorised to accept the relevant waste.
If you're removing asbestos as part of a larger construction or roofing project, plan the asbestos waste collection separately from your general waste requirements.
For an explanation of the hire process, read our Complete Guide to Asbestos Skip Hire.
What If the Asbestos Is Broken or Damaged?
Tell us about the condition of the material before arranging collection.
Damaged or deteriorated asbestos-containing materials can present different risks from materials in good condition.
The condition may affect the removal method, containment arrangements and waste acceptance requirements.
If the material is badly damaged, friable or producing loose debris, do not assume that standard asbestos cement waste arrangements will be suitable.
The removal work must be assessed and planned by a competent person, with a licensed asbestos contractor used where the work requires one.
We can discuss the waste disposal arrangements once the material and its condition have been confirmed.
What About Fibrous Asbestos Waste?
Fibrous asbestos materials can present a greater risk of fibre release when disturbed, particularly if they are damaged or friable.
They require appropriate removal and containment arrangements.
Fibrous asbestos waste requiring bagging must be double-bagged using suitable asbestos waste bags.
The waste must also be correctly identified and accepted under the agreed disposal arrangements.
Some asbestos work requires a contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive.
Hiring a skip does not authorise anyone to undertake asbestos removal work.
For official guidance on the different categories of asbestos work, refer to the HSE's Asbestos Licensing information.
What If You're Unsure Whether a Material Contains Asbestos?
Don't guess.
If you suspect a material contains asbestos but it hasn't been identified, it may need to be assessed or sampled by a competent person before work begins.
The correct approach will depend on the building, the material and the work being planned.
For refurbishment or demolition projects, an appropriate asbestos survey may be necessary before disturbing the building fabric.
The HSE's Asbestos Surveys guidance explains the different survey types and their purposes.
Once the material has been identified, we can discuss the appropriate waste collection arrangements.
Why Is Accurate Waste Information Important?
When asbestos waste is collected, it must be accurately described and accompanied by the required documentation.
Providing the correct information helps ensure the waste is handled, transported and accepted appropriately.
Before arranging your skip, we may need to establish:
- The type of asbestos-containing material.
- The condition of the material.
- The estimated quantity.
- Whether other asbestos waste types will be included.
- Whether the waste is suitable for the proposed collection and disposal arrangements.
Accurate information also helps avoid delays or problems when the container is collected.
For official information about hazardous waste documentation, see the GOV.UK Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes guidance.
Where Does the Asbestos Waste Go After Collection?
Asbestos waste must be taken to a facility authorised to accept it.
Smart Environmental operates an appropriately permitted asbestos disposal facility in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
We provide collection and transport arrangements for agreed asbestos waste, together with the required hazardous waste consignment documentation.
This gives our customers a dedicated waste service from skip delivery through to disposal.
What Should You Tell Us Before Booking an Asbestos Skip?
To help us confirm whether your waste can be accepted, have the following information ready.
What material are you removing?
For example, asbestos cement roofing sheets, cladding or another identified asbestos-containing product.
How much waste will there be?
An approximate quantity, roof area or description of the project can help.
What condition is the material in?
Let us know if it is damaged, deteriorated or contains loose debris.
Are there several waste types?
Tell us if more than one asbestos-containing material will be placed in the container.
Where is the project?
We'll need the delivery location and information about site access.
When do you need the skip?
Let us know your planned removal dates so delivery and collection can be discussed.
Providing this information at the start helps us arrange a suitable service.
Asbestos Skip Hire for Roofing, Construction and Agricultural Projects
Smart Environmental supplies enclosed asbestos skips for projects across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
We regularly work with roofing contractors and agricultural customers, as well as businesses undertaking suitable refurbishment and clearance projects.
Our service areas include Nottingham, Mansfield, Derby, Chesterfield and Newark.
You can find further information on our Asbestos Skip Hire Nottingham page or contact us about another location.
Need to Dispose of Asbestos Waste?
If you're unsure whether a particular asbestos-containing material can go in one of our skips, contact us before booking.
Tell us what material you're removing, its condition and the approximate quantity. We'll discuss the appropriate container and confirm whether we can accept the waste.
Visit our Asbestos Skip Hire page or call 01623 272 919 for a quotation.