Disposal of Asbestos Shingles

Asbestos has been used for thousands of years but reached its peak during the industrial revolution in the United States. During the early part of the 20th century, asbestos was used for everything from brake linings to roof shingles. The Environmental Protection Agency began to regulate the use of asbestos in the 1970s when the detrimental health effects of asbestos exposure began to come to light. If you own a home or building with asbestos shingles that you are replacing, you must follow state and federal regulations when disposing of the shingles.

Instructions

1. Determine whether federal or state regulations govern the disposal of the asbestos roof shingles. As a rule, homes that are intended to be occupied by four families or less are not subject to federal regulations regarding the removal of asbestos shingles; however state regulations often apply. Commercial buildings will always be subject to federal regulations and require a licensed contractor to remove and dispose of the shingles.

2. Research your state laws with regard to removal and disposal of asbestos shingles if you are not governed by federal regulations. Contact your state health or environmental protection agency to ascertain what state regulations apply to removal and disposal of the shingles. Some states require a licensed contractor to remove and dispose of the shingles while others will simply offer guidelines for a homeowner. In almost all states you will be required to dispose of the shingles at a specific area in a county or state landfill.

3. Package the shingles in an airtight bag or box before attempting to transport them for disposal. The shingles are not dangerous if left undisturbed, but the more they are disturbed the more the asbestos particles are released and the bigger health hazard you create.

4. Transport the shingles to the designated area in your county for asbestos disposal. Make sure you inform the person in charge that you are disposing of shingles that contain asbestos. In some cases you are required to call ahead to let the landfill know you are bringing asbestos materials to the landfill.

Tips & Warnings

• Asbestos shingles are not dangerous unless they are damaged or disturbed. If your home has asbestos shingles, you may be able to repair them without the need to remove them entirely. Check with a reliable and licensed contractor before deciding to remove the shingles.

References

• Environment, Health and Safety Online: Asbestos Shingles and Siding on Your House
• Baltimore County Maryland: Removing Asbestos Shingles
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Asbestos Waste Disposal
• Environmentalchemistry.com: A Brief History of Asbestos
• Environmental Protection Agency: Asbestos in Your Home