There are a number of household items and construction materials that people are often unsure whether can be thrown into a skip or not, one of which is asbestos.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was widely used in industries until the late 1990s, predominantly in construction. It was a popular material to use as it is a very resilient material, so the construction and engineering sectors used it as an insulant and for fireproofing.
Even though the extremely hazardous material was banned from use, it still exists in many older buildings around the country.
What Are The Dangers Of Asbestos?
Asbestos was banned from being used as it is carcinogenic, which means it has elements (fibres in this case) that are capable of causing cancer. When asbestos is in any way broken, cracked or disturbed, its microfibres are released into the air.If a person was to inhale these fibres over an extended period of time, they’d hold a high chance of developing a particularly nasty form of cancer called Mesothelioma.
Bedding itself in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, this form of cancer can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. The life expectancy for patients is approximately 12 months after diagnosis.
Despite being banned over 20 years ago, there are still more than 2,700 new cases of Mesothelioma each year in the UK and over 2,300 deaths as a result of it, according to Cancer Research UK. So if you happen to be clearing out a room or building and you have asbestos to dispose, what is the best way to get rid of it?
Asbestos Disposal
The disposal of asbestos is tricky business. As mentioned above, it still exists in many older buildings.
While you’d think it would make sense to remove all asbestos from buildings to keep as many people as safe as possible, it can actually prove to be riskier if you attempt to remove it. Providing it isn’t uncovered or already partially cracked, asbestos is better left alone and noted for construction work in the future.
If, following some home improvements you have some asbestos which needs disposing of, it is very important to note it must NOT be disposed of into a conventional skip. Instead, you should first consult with any contractors you might have employed to remove it, who should seal the asbestos in protective bags.
Just like other items which shouldn’t be thrown into a skip, asbestos should be taken to your local specialist recycling centre. You can find the nearest one to you by heading to www.gov.uk/asbestos-in-home and searching your postcode. Attempting to send asbestos to a regular landfill site could cause serious harm to others, so always do the right thing and find your nearest recycling centre.
Get in touch with Reds Skip Hire today
When it comes to disposing of safe waste from your property or business, such as bricks, broken furniture, non-electrical fittings and solidified paints, why not check out our skips to hire, ranging from 2-yard right up to 14-yard and multi skip. For domestic and commercial skip hire jobs, please don’t hesitate to call the team on 01268 649053.
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