Transporting Asbestos Containing Materials

While you as a private homeowner may not necessarily be subject to state regulations regarding the handling and containment of asbestos on your own property, this changes once you take this hazard off of your property.

While it is possible to remove asbestos on your own, it is not a good idea. Not only are most people not trained in handling toxic waste, but are also unprepared for the liability issues; if you undertake asbestos removal on your own, you are legally responsible for any injury, exposure or damage. It is far better – and less expensive in the long run – to hire a qualified, reputable asbestos removal company.

Federal Regulations

State and local regulations vary from one jurisdiction to another and according to the amount of actual asbestos is present, as well as any other potentially toxic materials may be present.

Federal regulations are quite clear, however: all friable (crumbling) asbestos-containing waste must be contained in 30" by 50" plastic bags no less than 6 mil thick; these bags must have a secure closing mechanism (i.e., a "zip-lock" type closure), and folded and sealed with duct tape. Large amounts of asbestos waste may be transported in 55-gallon, securely sealed plastic waste containers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "friable" asbestos is anything that may be crushed, pulverized and turned to power using hand pressure alone.

Preparing Asbestos Waste For Containment

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) must be wet down with water that has been "amended" with a small amount of liquid detergent; this prevents asbestos fibers from escaping into the air.

Once ACM waste has been contained in the proper bags or drums mentioned above, federal regulations state that these containers must be clearly labeled. Environmental regulations issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health are quite specific about the wording and size of the lettering on such labels; your state may or may not have such requirements. You will need to call the department of environmental quality (DEQ) in your state in order to find out what, if any requirements exist. Some states also require that vehicles used to transport asbestos waste also be labeled.

Final Disposal

Not all landfills are authorized to take asbestos or other toxic wastes. Again, the DEQ in your state or regional EPA office should have this information. The EPA Ombudsman can be reached at 1-800-368-5888 during regular business hours Eastern Time.

When ACM waste is delivered to an authorized disposal facility, it will be necessary to have a Waste Shipment Record prepared and given to the operator. The purpose here is to make sure that the amount of ACM stated on the form matches the amount that has been delivered; any discrepancies will be reported to the state DEQ, and the waste generator required to provide an explanation; make sure amounts of ACM waste are stated accurately!

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