Page contents
- What is asbestos waste?
- Which recycling centres accept asbestos waste?
- Advice for households
- Advice for businesses
What is asbestos waste?
Asbestos is hazardous waste and cannot be recycled or reused. To find out more about the dangers of asbestos, see the Environment Agency website and the Health and Safety Executive website on why asbestos is dangerous.
None of the boroughs and districts in Surrey offer an asbestos removal or collection service. They will need to be removed by a licensed company or taken to a Community recycling centre (CRC) that accepts asbestos.
Which recycling centres accept asbestos waste?
Use our recycling search tool to find your nearest CRC that accepts asbestos.
Advice for households
Dispose
Asbestos must not be put in with your general rubbish or recycling. Asbestos must be removed by a licensed company or taken to one of the following recycling centres:
You can transport asbestos cement waste in your own car without needing to be a registered waste carrier as long as it is your own household waste. We will also allow you to take your permitted allowance of asbestos to one of our nominated sites in a van or trailer providing you have a valid van permit.
We can only accept small amounts (up to six sheets) of asbestos cement materials such as:
- Corrugated or flat sheets
- Cold water tanks
- Rainwater pipes and gutters
- Lining under eaves
- Flue pipes
Any other form of asbestos must be dealt with by a specialist company.
However if you bring your permitted allowance of asbestos in a van mixed with other construction waste, you will be refused entry. General DIY waste is not permitted in a van or trailer. Please see our construction waste policy.
Before visiting the CRC
Ring the centre before you come, to check that there will be enough space in the special container for your asbestos.
Take the following steps to ensure that the asbestos does not contaminate your car or van:
- Spray the asbestos cement with water.
- Double wrap or double bag the asbestos cement with heavy duty polythene.
- Ensure the wrapping is secured with tape.
- Make sure that none of the vehicle occupants have access to the asbestos waste.
- On arrival at the centre, inform a member of staff so that they can direct you to the special container.
- Make sure the wrapping is still securely in place before unloading the asbestos cement.
During your visit
On arrival at your chosen site you will be asked to:
- Complete a 'Declaration of Household Waste' form to confirm that the waste asbestos has originated from your own home.
- Provide some form of ID to a confirm that you are Surrey resident. This applies to all of the above sites.
Advice for businesses
Asbestos is a hazardous substance and must be disposed of in landfills designed for hazardous waste.
It is illegal to dispose of business waste through facilities provided for householders, including household kerbside collection bins, street bins, recycling banks or recycling centres. For information on handling and disposing of business waste see our business waste page.
See the Health and Safety Executive website for the most appropriate methods of dealing with asbestos to fully comply with regulations, ensure maximum safety and protect your organisation from litigation.
Make sure any company you choose is licensed with the Environment Agency to handle and dispose of asbestos waste.
