Firstly, getting rid of asbestos isn’t something you should mess around with. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 5,000 people die from asbestos-related complications every year – ironic, given it was originally used to save lives as a fire-retardant material – and it’s been banned in the UK since 1999.

Yet it’s still everywhere. The HSE estimates between 210,000 and 400,000 UK buildings contain asbestos – and another report claims this includes 80% of British schools and 94% of NHS Trust buildings, such as hospitals and GP surgeries. If you own a house over 20 years old, chances are it’ll be somewhere (either as an insulator or as protection).

How to Remove and
Dispose of Asbestos

Get a quick quote

Get a quick FREE quote for your waste

Quick quote within 1 hr
All types of waste
Claim your free bins
Nationwide coverage

Home asbestos removal

If you’re planning on renovating your house, taking down an old outdoor structure, or modernising your office, it pays to be incredibly careful. One wrong move, and you could put yourself at risk of falling seriously ill. Proper planning and management for getting rid of asbestos at home is essential.

Always seek professional help when removing and disposing of asbestos to protect your health and others who live in or use the building. Here’s our guide on how to remove asbestos – and the options you have for safely disposing of it – from your home or commercial property in the UK.

Fast free quote

Free bins

Low cost collection

What does asbestos look like?

While you might think asbestos is manmade, it’s a natural mineral. Six different types exist, but all of them have long, thin crystals that look a bit like hair. Commercial processing makes it look like anything but this. It’s estimated that 5,000 products contain asbestos, like pipes, floor tiles, soundproofing, insulation, roofs and house siding.

Luckily, the HSE has a useful gallery for what asbestos can look like, and where it can be found.

Can I get rid of asbestos myself?

The short answer is yes, but the safe answer is no. The government has guidelines in place for people wanting to remove asbestos themselves, but it really shouldn’t be attempted. If you suspect your renovation or deconstruction job might see you uncover asbestos, you need to wear gloves, a compliant dust mask, and safety goggles.

You should also have plenty of strong plastic bags (such as rubble sacks), strong tape to seal them tightly, and a water spray bottle to hand. Asbestos is generally safe in sheets, but breaking it creates asbestos dust, which is extremely dangerous – spraying water on it will keep free particles to a minimum.

14 day price match guarantee

Partner with peace of mind

Asbestos disposal

Will the local tip take my asbestos?

Local council tips do have facilities to get rid of your asbestos, but it only tends to deal in small amounts. To find out your local council’s asbestos rules and regulations, the GOV.UK website has a decent search tool to give you the information you’re looking for. Find out if your local tip accepts asbestos with the GOV.UK search tool.

Can the council pick up my asbestos?

Collection services are run by many councils and one of the best ways to get rid of asbestos. However, they can vary in cost – it’s best to contact your local authority directly to find out if it can pick up your asbestos. Higher-cost collections may charge around £1 per kilogram, and bags must be sealed tightly and perfectly for it to be removed. You might have a long wait on your hands before removal too.

Free duty of care

We pride ourselves on being open and transparent.

Can I hire a specialist asbestos removal company?

One of the quickest ways to get rid of asbestos is to use a professional company. Legitimate organisations are members of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), which provides guidance and training across the country. Of course, this can come at a big cost, and may only be worthwhile for commercial or massive house projects. Or simply contact Divert!

Will a man and van removal company take my asbestos?

As an expert in all types of waste removal, man and van rubbish removal services like those with Divert can take asbestos off your hands and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way with our specialist partners. All you need to do is call us to tell us how much you have safely bagged up, and we could be there on the same day.

Contact us today to get rid of asbestos

Before getting in touch, pull together as much information as possible about your asbestos – photos are always a huge help – and we’ll do everything we can to give you a fair quote and the quickest, safest, and easiest disposal possible. Get a free quote for asbestos removal today – call 0333 444 0118 or contact us online.

Get your waste collected