What counts as asbestos cement (ACM)?
Asbestos cement — also called non-licensed ACM (asbestos-containing material) — refers to bonded asbestos products where the fibres are locked into a cement matrix. The most common examples are corrugated roofing sheets on garages, agricultural buildings and industrial units, as well as flat asbestos cement panels and guttering.
These materials are considered lower risk than friable (loose) asbestos products such as sprayed insulation or pipe lagging, because the fibres are bound within the cement. However, they are still asbestos. They still contain chrysotile or other fibres. They still require lawful disposal.
What are the legal requirements?
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, asbestos waste is classified as a hazardous controlled waste in England and Wales. This means:
- › It cannot be placed in a standard household or commercial skip
- › It cannot be taken to a standard household waste recycling centre (though some councils have specific arrangements — check first)
- › It must be collected by a registered waste carrier
- › It must be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility
- › The movement must be documented with a Waste Transfer Note
Why do you need a registered waste carrier?
The Environment Agency (EA) registers waste carriers in England. For asbestos, you need an Upper Tier carrier — the higher of two registration tiers, required for hazardous and controlled waste. Direct Asbestos Disposal is registered as an Upper Tier carrier.
Handing your asbestos to an unregistered carrier — even if it saves money — can leave you liable. If the material is fly-tipped or incorrectly disposed of, the original producer (you) can be held responsible. Getting a Waste Transfer Note protects you from that.
What is a Waste Transfer Note?
A Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is the legal document that records the transfer of waste from you (the producer) to the waste carrier. It includes details of the waste type, quantity, collection address, carrier registration details and the destination facility.
You are legally required to keep a copy for a minimum of two years. For producers and brokers, the duty of care extends further. In practice, having the WTN protects you if questions ever arise about how the waste was disposed of.
We issue a Waste Transfer Note as standard on every job — no chasing required.
Need asbestos collected?
Fixed price. WTN as standard.
Do I need a specialist removal contractor?
For non-licensed ACM (like intact asbestos cement sheets), you do not legally need a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove them. The HSE guidance permits non-licensed work to be carried out by a competent person taking appropriate precautions — double wrapping in heavy-duty polythene, avoiding breakage, keeping sheets damp to suppress dust.
However, licensed asbestos — sprayed coatings, insulation board, pipe lagging — requires a licensed contractor for removal. If in doubt, check the HSE's guidance or speak to us and we can point you in the right direction.
Summary: the correct process
- 1.Identify the material — intact asbestos cement sheets are non-licensed ACM
- 2.Remove carefully — avoid breaking, keep damp, double wrap in polythene
- 3.Contact a registered waste carrier (Upper Tier EA registration)
- 4.Arrange collection — fixed price, they load, they transport
- 5.Receive your Waste Transfer Note — keep it for at least two years