What is asbestos cement?
Asbestos cement is a well bonded, sheet building material, commonly used for roofing and outbuildings such as garages. Care must be taken not to confuse it with asbestos insulation board which is similar in appearance, but much more hazardous since it is softer. Advice and precautions to follow when dealing with asbestos cement
The following advice applies to asbestos cement only; other types of asbestos are usually more hazardous and require more stringent precautions.

Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous. Any work on asbestos cement may generate asbestos dust and we advise that the following precautions are taken to minimise the risk:

• It is advised that a sample is taken and analysed by a UKAS accredited laboratory to identify the type of asbestos present
  • Help and advice, more information: Contact Pollution and Noise Control
• avoid creating dust from asbestos cement.
• Never sand down or wire-brush asbestos cement.
• Do not use power tools on asbestos cement.
• Avoid breaking asbestos cement.
• When working with asbestos cement it is advisable to wear disposable overalls and a face mask. Check that they are suitable for use with asbestos. You can get advice from safety equipment centres. After use, these should be disposed of as asbestos waste.
• When removing asbestos cement, thoroughly wet it first, particularly around any fixings. Use an ordinary hosepipe or watering can for this, not a high-powered water jet. Add detergent to the water if possible.
• if fixings are difficult to undo, try to cut them off rather than break the asbestos.

I have some asbestos cement to dispose of, where can I take it?
Asbestos cement waste must be wrapped in a double layer of strong polythene and loose edges sealed with tape before being disposed of.

Private householders should take their asbestos waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Emerald Street, Huddersfield. You must ring the site, telephone 01484 536967, at least 12 hours before you go, as you need to book a time to take the asbestos. If you cannot get through on that number ring 01484 226886.
Opening Hours - Greenwich Mean Time
Monday to Friday - 8.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday - 8.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday - 9.00am to 4.00pm

Opening Hours - British Summer Time
Monday to Friday - 8.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday - 8.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday - 9.00am to 4.00pm

Asbestos deliveries must arrive at least half hour before closing.
Map of Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Commercial operators need to be registered carriers and will need to fill in a Consignment Note before disposing of asbestos cement, you can get these from the Environment Agency. Commercial operators must contact the Environment Agency 24 hours before on 0113 244 0191 and they will give you instructions on how to deal with asbestos prior to disposal.

Pollution and Noise Control
Flint Street
Huddersfield
HD1 6LG

Tel: 01484 414739
Email: pollution@kirklees.gov.uk