Demystifying the Asbestos Removal Process in the UK: What You Need to Know

Adam Fox • 4 May 2023

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a variety of building materials for decades

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a variety of building materials for decades, including insulation, flooring, and roofing. While asbestos was once considered a miracle material for its fire-resistant properties, it has since been linked to serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, asbestos removal has become a critical issue in the UK. In this article, we will demystify the asbestos removal process in the UK, explain when asbestos removal is required, and discuss the regulations surrounding asbestos removal.


Introduction to Asbestos and Its Dangers


Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are composed of long, thin fibres. These fibres are strong, flexible, and heat-resistant, which made them ideal for use in a wide variety of building materials. However, when asbestos fibres are disturbed, they can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inhaled, the fibres can become lodged in the lungs and cause a variety of serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.


When is Asbestos Removal Required in the UK


Asbestos removal is required in the UK when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed in a way that could release asbestos fibres into the air. For example, if you are planning to renovate or demolish a building that contains asbestos, you will need to have the asbestos removed before work can begin. Similarly, if you discover damaged asbestos-containing materials in your home or workplace, you will need to have them removed as soon as possible.


The Asbestos Removal Process in the UK


The asbestos removal process in the UK is highly regulated and must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. The process typically involves the following steps:


1.   Site assessment: The asbestos removal contractor will assess the site to determine the extent of the asbestos contamination and develop a plan for safe removal.


2.   Preparation: The contractor will prepare the site for asbestos removal by sealing off the area and installing air filtration systems to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.


3.   Removal: The contractor will carefully remove the asbestos-containing materials using specialized tools and techniques to minimize the release of asbestos fibres.


4.   Decontamination: The contractor will thoroughly clean the site to ensure that all asbestos fibres have been removed.


5.   Air testing: An independent analyst will conduct a thorough visual inspection and air tests (Four Stage Clearance) to ensure that the site is free of asbestos fibres and safe to reoccupy.


Asbestos Removal Regulations in the UK


Asbestos removal is highly regulated in the UK to ensure that it is carried out safely and effectively. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the requirements for asbestos removal, including licensing requirements for asbestos removal contractors and strict guidelines for the removal process. It is illegal to carry out asbestos removal without a license, and failure to comply with the regulations can result in fines or even imprisonment.


How to Find a Reputable Asbestos Removal Company in the UK


When it comes to asbestos removal, it is essential to work with a reputable and licensed asbestos removal contractor. To find a reputable contractor, you can start by checking the Asbestos Control & Abatement Division (ACAD) website, which lists licensed asbestos removal contractors in the UK.


You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had asbestos removed from their properties. Having an asbestos consultant like Consulo Compliance assist you in finding a reputable asbestos removal contractor can add an additional layer of comfort knowing that we will only ever use contractors that work to the highest standards.


The Cost of Asbestos Removal in the UK


The cost of asbestos removal in the UK can vary depending on the extent of the contamination and the complexity of the removal process. However, it is important to note that asbestos removal is not a DIY job and should only be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. While the cost of asbestos removal may seem high, it is a small price to pay compared to the potential health risks associated with exposure to asbestos.


What to Expect During the Asbestos Removal Process


During the asbestos removal process, you can expect the site to be sealed off and the area to be cordoned off to prevent access. You may also need to vacate the premises while the asbestos removal is taking place. Once the asbestos removal is complete, an independent analytical company should conduct a thorough visual inspection along with air tests to ensure that the site is free of asbestos fibres. This is known as the Four Stage Clearance.


Safety Precautions During and After Asbestos Removal


During asbestos removal, it is essential to follow strict safety precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. This includes wearing protective clothing and respirators, sealing off the work area, and using specialized tools and techniques to minimize the release of asbestos fibres. After asbestos removal, it is important to dispose of all asbestos-containing materials properly to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.


Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Materials in the UK


Asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This typically involves sealing the materials in specialized asbestos waste bags and transporting them to a licensed disposal facility. It is illegal to dispose of asbestos-containing materials in household waste or in any other way that could result in the spread of asbestos fibres.


Conclusion: The Importance of Proper Asbestos Removal in the UK


Asbestos removal is a critical issue in the UK, and it is essential to work with a reputable and licensed asbestos removal contractor to ensure that the process is carried out safely and effectively. By following the regulations and guidelines surrounding asbestos removal, we can help to protect ourselves and our communities from the serious health risks associated with exposure to asbestos.


If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, or if you need asbestos removed, contact Consulo Compliance today to schedule a site assessment.

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by Adam Fox 9 April 2025
Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem Twenty-five years after asbestos was banned in the UK, we’re still digging a hole—literally and metaphorically. Every day, across the country, asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, loaded into skips, and driven to landfill, where it will sit indefinitely, taking up valuable space, creating ongoing liability, and adding to our already bloated environmental burden. And yet, 2025 presents a different path. A smarter one. One that replaces disposal with repurposing, and turns a dangerous waste product into a useful, circular resource. The technology exists. So the question we should be asking isn’t “Can we recycle asbestos?” It’s “Why the hell aren’t we doing it already?” Landfill is Failing Us—But We’re Still Relying On It Let’s start with the basics. There are still over 1.5 million buildings in the UK that contain asbestos, most of them now approaching the end of their useful life. As these structures age or undergo refurbishment, the volume of asbestos waste is only going to increase. Right now, we handle that waste the same way we did decades ago: • Identify it • Remove it (usually under fully controlled conditions) • Seal it in heavy-duty plastic • Drive it to landfill • Bury it • Forget about it Except we don’t forget, do we? Because landfill space is running out. Disposal costs are going up. And the environmental cost? We’re only just starting to count it. There’s a Better Way—and It Already Works Here’s what most duty holders don’t realise: We no longer have to bury asbestos. Thanks to recent advances in thermal treatment technology, we now have a method that can safely denature asbestos, breaking down its fibrous structure and rendering it harmless. Companies like Thermal Recycling in the UK are already proving this is not science fiction. They’re using high temperatures to transform asbestos cement products—like corrugated roofing sheets—into an inert ceramic material that’s completely safe. But here's the best bit: That material isn’t just neutral. It’s useful. It can be crushed and graded into aggregate, which can be used in road construction, paving, and concrete mixes. Instead of creating a waste burden for the next generation, we’re creating a valuable, low-carbon building material. Why Aggregate Matters in the Carbon Equation The production of virgin aggregates—through mining and quarrying—is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. It contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions and destroys natural landscapes. So by replacing some of that demand with recycled aggregate from denatured asbestos, we: • Cut carbon emissions • Reduce dependence on extraction • Shrink the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects • Extend the life of quarries and reduce waste tonnage That’s not just a win for waste management. That’s a win for the entire construction supply chain. And yet most people in the industry don’t even know it’s possible. Why Are We Still Burying What Could Be Reused? As someone who’s worked in asbestos compliance for over 20 years—and now helps business leaders manage risk more intelligently—I’ve seen the same patterns play out time and time again: • “We’ll just do what we’ve always done.” • “This project’s tight on budget—landfill’s cheaper, right?” • “We’re just following the usual route—it’s less risky.” Let’s be honest. That mindset is outdated, short-sighted, and lazy. Cost may always be a factor, but the belief that landfill is “cheaper” needs to be challenged. Once you factor in: • Long-term environmental costs • Reputational risk • Rising disposal fees • And the public pressure for sustainable practices Thermal recycling is already starting to make sense. Especially when the output is something usable, not something buried. Licensed Contractors: You Don’t Get a Free Pass Either This isn’t just about clients or duty holders. Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s) have a moral obligation here too. And I say that not from a place of opinion—but from first-hand experience, day in and day out for over two decades. Too often, LARCs put profits over progress. They default to landfill because it’s faster, easier to price up, and keeps their margins clean. They know the alternatives exist—but they don’t explore them, let alone offer them to their clients. When you hold a licence from the HSE, you’re not just a business—you’re a guardian of public health. That comes with responsibility. Choosing the most sustainable, forward-thinking disposal route should be part of that. Especially when the technology is available, proven, and legal. It’s time for the industry to stop hiding behind what’s convenient and start leading from the front. A Moral Obligation for Everyone Involved Whether you’re a: • Local authority managing public buildings • Developer under pressure to go green • Commercial landlord looking to reduce liability • Or a licensed contractor with influence over disposal routes —you have a responsibility to look beyond the cheapest or fastest option. If there’s a proven, safe, and more sustainable way to manage asbestos, you have a duty to understand it before choosing to ignore it. Because let’s be honest: “We didn’t know” isn’t going to wash when the public starts asking why we’re still filling landfill sites with a problem we already have the technology to eliminate. So What Can You Do Differently? No one’s asking you to overhaul your entire waste strategy overnight. But you can—and should—start asking better questions: • “Is landfill our only option here?” • “Could this waste stream be recycled instead of buried?” • “What suppliers, contractors, or experts do we know who can help us explore this?” You don’t have to be a global pioneer. But if you’re in a position of responsibility, you should at least be aware that the old way isn’t the only way anymore. Final Thought: The Future Is Circular—Whether You Join In or Not Asbestos will be with us for decades to come. That’s a fact. But how we handle it—and whether we choose to keep repeating the past or do something smarter—is up to us. Thermal recycling and other denaturing technologies offer a rare opportunity to do something that actually moves the industry forward. Not just ticking the compliance box. Not just burying the problem. But solving it—and turning it into something useful in the process. If you’re involved in asbestos management in even the slightest way, ask yourself this: Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
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