Asbestos
Important
Breathing in asbestos dust is dangerous. This guide is for asbestos cement only, not other types of asbestos, which are more harmful and need specialist handling.
What is asbestos cement?
Asbestos cement is a hard sheet material often used for roofs and garages. It looks like asbestos insulation board, but is less dangerous. If you're not sure which type you have, get expert advice.
Safety tips when working with asbestos cement
To reduce the risk of breathing in dust:
- Do not break, sand, or drill it.
- Do not use power tools.
- Wear disposable overalls and a face mask made for asbestos work. You can ask a safety shop for advice.
- Wet the material before removing it, especially around screws or nails. Use a hose or watering can — not a pressure washer. Add washing-up liquid if you can.
- If screws are stuck, cut them off instead of breaking the sheet.
How to wrap asbestos cement waste
- Wrap it in two layers of strong plastic sheeting (like building-grade Visqueen).
- Seal it with parcel tape.
- If it’s not wrapped properly, the site will refuse to take it.
Where to take asbestos waste
Householders in Bradford can take wrapped asbestos cement to Bowling Back Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre.
You must book in advance by filling in this form:
What you’ll need to book
- Date and time of your visit
- Vehicle make, model, and registration
- Number of wrapped bags
- Confirmation that the waste is wrapped correctly
If you're using a hire vehicle, bring the hire agreement with you.
When you can deliver
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
- You must give at least 24 hours’ notice
What to bring on the day
All documents must match the address where the asbestos came from:
- Driving licence
- Council Tax bill
- Vehicle log book (or a letter from your employer if using a company car)
- Hire agreement (if using a hire vehicle)
At the site
- You must lift the waste into the skip yourself. Staff cannot help for safety reasons.
- Waste must be easy to carry and fit through a container opening of 1m x 1m, which is 1.1m off the ground.
Note
These services are for private households only - not businesses.