The tough new rule will apply to all five of the West Sussex sites that already accept asbestos cement – a material which binds dangerous asbestos fibres into a hard, safer medium.
Risk
The rule has been introduced following risk assessments carried out by council health and safety officials and is in line with Health and Safety Executive guidance.
Michael Dennis, cabinet member for public safety at the county council, said: “This decision has been taken to ensure the health and safety of all persons concerned. People will need to contact the relevant site before loading their asbestos to ensure there is sufficient space available for its storage and disposal.”
The civic amenity sites, at Burgess Hill, Crawley, Sompting, Shoreham and Westhampnett, will accept the material only if it is wrapped in 1000 gauge polythene or double bagged in rubble bags and sealed with tape. Bags and sheeting can be bought from builders merchants, but some bags will also be available at the sites initially.
Health
Asbestos materials are found in many houses, roofs, pipes and guttering. They only pose a health problem when damage releases asbestos fibres and these are breathed in.
The council's waste management services unit has published a short guide covering the safe disposal of materials containing asbestos mixed with cement.
For a copy of the guide, tel: 01243 777595
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