Asbestos Disposal
The disposal of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) — which are defined as building, ship or other products that are one percent or more asbestos — is closely regulated by a federal body, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 1973, the EPA established the 'asbestos subpart' of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). Since its creation, the Asbestos NESHAP has been updated and revised several times.
Asbestos NESHAP Regulations for Asbestos Disposal
The Asbestos NESHAP is very detailed in its requirements regarding asbestos disposal in order to minimize the risks to public health that ACMs present. ACMs were widely used throughout the U.S. before the 1980s, and the issue of how to dispose of the huge quantities of asbestos has been carefully considered — particularly regarding:
- The disposal of asbestos-containing waste generated during milling, manufacturing, demolition, renovation, spraying and fabricating operations
- Active waste disposal sites
The Asbestos NESHAP even mandates that the vehicles used to transport ACMs must be marked according to new guidelines, and that a waste shipment record must be provided. The entire purpose of the asbestos disposal regulations is to protect humans from inhaling the toxic, microscopic fibers of which asbestos is composed. The inhalation of asbestos can cause cancer and severe respiratory problems.
Asbestos Disposal For Homeowners and Small Businesses
If you're a homeowner or business owner and you're unsure of how to dispose of asbestos materials correctly and legally, contact one of the ten EPA offices in the U.S. The EPA staff will give you information on how to dispose of materials such as:
- asbestos siding
- asbestos cement
- asbestos-wrapped pipes
- asbestos tile (ceiling or flooring)
If you have questions about asbestos disposal regulations and your legal rights, contact mesothelioma centers to speak with an asbestos attorney in your area that represents people who are concerned about the dangers of asbestos.



