Removal of Illegally Dumped Asbestos from Fly Tipping

If you have discovered illegally dumped waste and suspect that it could contain asbestos, help is available. Asbestos fly tipping can be incredibly dangerous, and if the fibres are disturbed, they could easily be breathed in by members of the public or yourself.  Asbestos is linked to several serious diseases, some of which can be fatal. Read on to find out more about what to do if you have discovered illegal asbestos dumping.

What exactly is asbestos fly tipping?

This is the illegal dumping of asbestos waste on land where the person or people disposing of it do not have a licence to dispose of it or if they don’t have the landowner’s permission. Asbestos history shows it was commonly used as a construction material in the mid-to-late 20th century until more was learned about its dangers and it was banned completely in 1999. Once the ban was enforced, there was a substantial rise in illegal fly tipping of asbestos. Continue reading to find out more about illegal asbestos dumping and clearance of fly tipped asbestos.

How big a problem is illegal asbestos dumping?

Asbestos fly tipping is highly toxic to human health and can be costly to remove. This explains why so many people have opted to simply take their chances and dispose of it in places they are not legally permitted to do so. Illegal asbestos disposal remains a big problem across the UK. In fact, one local authority was found to be spending more than £10,000 each year on dealing with illegally dumped asbestos waste in the countryside.  It’s said that cases of asbestos fly tipping have doubled over the past few years.

Who is liable if illegally asbestos dumping is discovered?

If it is possible to trace the asbestos fly tipping waste back to an owner of a home or building, that person is liable for prosecution even if they aren’t the person responsible for the dumping. Many people have been caught out after using unscrupulous waste removal companies who have disposed of their waste irresponsibly. If you do use a waste removal company to remove asbestos containing materials from your home or business premises, it’s essential to carry out due diligence checks. These should help you decide whether the company that you’re dealing with is a reputable one. They should also hold a waste transfer licence.

What should I do if I discover illegally dumped asbestos waste?

If you find illegal asbestos dumping in your local environment, you should contact your local council. If asbestos waste has been fly tipped on your property, you may have to pay to have it removed. If you suspect illegal asbestos dumping is on your property but are not certain, a survey can be carried out. At Safeline, we can help you determine whether asbestos is present on your property via our stringent testing processes.

What are the penalties for disposing of hazardous waste illegally?

Anyone who is found to be responsible for asbestos fly tipping can be sentenced to up to five years in prison. They can also face an unlimited fine.

Why choose Safeline?

We are one of the most prominent asbestos removal and surveying companies in the business and serve a wide range of clients. These range from the owners of small residences to large multinational companies. We have a fully qualified team that delivers training of the highest calibre.

How to contact us

At Safeline, we are ready to hear from you if you suspect that you do have asbestos fly tipping property, whether someone has dumped it illegally or not. You can reach us today by completing the form on our website, by sending an email to info@safeline-env.co.uk or by giving us a call on 01299 251083. We’ll get back to you as quickly as we can. Get in touch to find out more about us and what we can do for you.

 

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