Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause severe respiratory illness and must be disposed of with care. Asbestos was extensively used in buildings built during the first part of the last century. The use of asbestos is banned in the European Union.

If you discover asbestos or asbestos bonded materials in your home during building work or DIY activities, you must make safe arrangements for its removal and disposal.

For more information on asbestos, visit the useful links on the right.

Frequently asked questions

How can I dispose of my asbestos?

You can hire a licensed, specialist company to remove and/or dispose of the asbestos for you. Such companies advertise locally or in the yellow pages.

Alternatively small quantities of ‘Bonded Asbestos’, arising from household maintenance and repairs, can be taken by you, the householder, to our Waste Transfer Station located on the Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton under the asbestos permit scheme. Depending on the type of asbestos, a charge may be incurred (see below for details).

This scheme is only available for asbestos from your own home and not for trade waste.

How do I apply for a Permit?

Permits are available through your local district or borough council. You will need to confirm the quantity of asbestos and the household from which it has arisen.

There are strict guidelines regarding this procedure, the amounts of asbestos waste that can be handled in this way and the way in which it is presented. Waste will not be accepted without a permit.

How do I prepare my asbestos waste for disposal?

Each individual bonded asbestos sheet/pipe must be wrapped in clear thick gauge polythene sheeting (available from DIY stores) and sealed with tape to prevent the release of dust (maximum length per piece = 1.8 metres). 

What if I have over the threshold amount of asbestos waste?

If you have more than the maximum acceptable quantities shown above, then the whole amount is charged at the commercial rate and none of the waste is eligible for disposal under the Permit Scheme.

You may wish to ring alternative companies to get quotes for the disposal of your asbestos.

How often can I dispose of asbestos in this way?

You can apply for a permit only once per financial year.

Asbestos Permit Charges

A subsidised charge is made for the following acceptable items:

Items for which no charge is made:

• Ironing boards with asbestos iron rest pad
• Small domestic asbestos Fire Blankets