What Is the Best Method of Disposing of Asbestos Safely?

The safest and only legally approved method of disposing of asbestos is to have it removed by licensed asbestos professionals who follow strict containment, packaging, and disposal protocols. Heres how the process typically works:

1. Proper containment during removal:
   Certified asbestos contractors set up sealed work areas using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines to prevent fibers from escaping. They wear protective gear and use specialized tools to safely remove asbestos-containing materials without breaking them up more than necessary.

2. Sealed packaging:
   The removed asbestos materials are carefully wetted to minimize dust, then double-bagged or wrapped in heavy-duty, leak-tight plastic sheeting. Each bag or package is clearly labeled as asbestos waste.

3. Transport to an approved landfill:
   Asbestos waste cannot be disposed of in normal household or construction trash. Licensed transporters take the sealed asbestos waste to EPA-approved or local-authority-designated landfills that are permitted to accept asbestos. These facilities have strict protocols to prevent asbestos fibers from becoming airborne.

4. Documentation:
   A professional asbestos abatement company provides waste shipment records and certificates of disposal. This protects you legally and proves the asbestos was handled responsibly.

Important note:

• Never try to dispose of asbestos yourself.
  It is illegal in most places to remove or discard asbestos waste without proper training and certification. Attempting to handle or transport asbestos yourself puts your health and that of others at serious risk.

Summary:
The best method to dispose of asbestos safely is to hire licensed asbestos removal specialists. Theyll contain, remove, seal, and transport asbestos waste to approved disposal sites, following all local and federal regulations.