The Texas Department of State Health Services does not regulate home removal of asbestos; however, failure to bag, handle, label and dispose of asbestos siding according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations puts you and others disposing of the asbestos at risk. Furthermore, your local Texas landfill is unlikely to accept improperly-labeled material.
Things You Will Need
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Moisten the asbestos siding with a hose. The fibers are less likely to become airborne if moist.
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Double bag the asbestos siding in leakproof, transparent 6ml (or thicker) plastic bags. Do not overload the bags, creating the danger of bursting open during handling or disposal. Double knot each bag. Do not use twist ties.
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Place the outer layer of clothing you wore to remove the asbestos (if applicable) in its own double-knotted double bag. Any fibers that became airborne during the siding's removal may become embedded in your clothing, posing a threat.
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Affix a large label to each bag, reading in large capital letters: DANGER/CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS/AVOID CREATING DUST/CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD. Place the label in a clearly visible position on the widest part of the bag.
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Drop off the bags at your nearest municipal solid waste landfill.
The Drip Cap
- Asbestos remains a hazardous fiber throughout its lifetime; therefore, following safety regulations throughout its removal and disposal are paramount.
- Place the outer layer of clothing you wore to remove the asbestos (if applicable) in its own double-knotted double bag.
- Any fibers that became airborne during the siding's removal may become embedded in your clothing, posing a threat.