How to Dispose of Asbestos In Vancouver
If you have asbestos to remove and dispose of, it may be more involved than you think. The city of Vancouver has an asbestos policy that must be followed. Municipalities within Metro Vancouver can dispose of their asbestos waste at the Vancouver Landfill in Delta, provided the waste is prepared in accordance with the city’s policy. The Transfer Station will refuse any and all asbestos waste.
Where Can Asbestos be Found?
Asbestos has been used in a variety of materials, particularly where noise or heat insulation is required. Some products that make use of asbestos include:
- Adhesives such as roofing sealant, furnace cement, glue for flooring, ceiling tiles
- Electrical components such as wire insulation and cable wrap
- Fireproofing, including firefighter gear, paint, and spray-on fireproofing
- Insulation. This includes loose-fill insulation, block insulation, and blown-in insulation
In order to dispose of blown-in insulation, you are required to have the original packaging so you can demonstrate that it does not contain asbestos. Alternately, you may provide a certificate of analysis from an accredited laboratory, obtained within the past 30 days, indicating that the material is free of asbestos.
Landfills will not accept used drywall from businesses or contractors but will accept a limited amount from residents who have removed it from their homes and transported it to the landfill.
More information can be found on the drywall webpage.
Testing for Asbestos in Vancouver: If you need to test for asbestos, you may do so by contacting an accredited laboratory or company such as Progressive Environmental.
Why You Should Test for Asbestos
Testing for asbestos can save you money at the landfill. While the test may cost between $25 and $100, depending on how quickly you need the results, a certificate of analysis showing that the material is free of asbestos allows you to dispose of it as garbage, which is considerably cheaper than what you would pay for the burial of asbestos. Once you test, you can decide whether Asbestos Removal or Asbestos Abatement (safely sealing the asbestos in place)
The Certificate of Analysis
As mentioned above, the certificate must be obtained from an accredited laboratory within the past 30 days. It must also include all the following:
- Contact information
- The name of the analyst
- The name of the client
- Sample ID
- Asbestos type
- Asbestos amount
- Method of analysis
If the analysis indicates that the material is asbestos-free, prepare it and dispose of it at the landfill within 30 days of the test. You must have the results with you when you arrive at the landfill.
Should the test indicate the presence of asbestos, prepare it accordingly. Asbestos disposal fees are applicable.
Asbestos Fees and Drop Off Schedule
The means of preparation, fee amounts, and drop off schedules vary depending on whether the asbestos waste is commercial or residential.
Given the regulations for the preparation and disposal of asbestos waste, as well as the dangers associated with exposure to the material, the quickest, easiest, and safest way to dispose of your asbestos waste is to contact a professional. This will ensure that things are done correctly, according to regulations, and without exposing yourself to danger.
When you have to dispose of or undertake asbestos removal in Vancouver, contact Progressive Environmental and leave the rest to us!
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. It is exceptionally durable but dangerous. Formed of thin, needle-like fibres, asbestos can cause several diseases and cancers, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Being strong and resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, asbestos has been used in several products. As of December 30, 2018, a ban with exceptions has been in effect in Canada. WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation consider any material containing asbestos fibres totalling 0.5% or more by weight at the time of manufacture (or any other time, determined by analysis) to be an asbestos-containing material.
All such materials are to be handled with caution during disposal, with professional disposal services being highly advisable.
