Asbestos Waste & Disposal Service

Asbestos is found in homes, workplace, construction and home improvement-related operations. If left undisturbed risks of exposure to asbestos are low.  When disturbed very small asbestos fibers are released into the air and when the fibers are breathed in, they can become entrapped in the lungs, over time these fibers can cause health problems, disabling respiratory disease and various types of cancers.

Many buildings contain asbestos, which was used in spray­ applied flame retardant, thermal system insulation, and in a variety of other materials. Asbestos was sometimes “flocked” above false ceilings, inside technical ducts, and in many other small spaces where firefighters would have difficulty gaining access. Structural components like asbestos panels were also used.

In residences, asbestos was often a component of a type of flocked acoustic ceiling, called popcorn ceiling or “cottage cheese ceiling”, until its production was banned in the U.S. in 1978. However, the ban allowed installers to use up remaining stocks, so houses built as late as 1986 could still have asbestos in their acoustic ceilings. The only way to be sure is to remove a sample and have it tested by a competent laboratory.

The Regulatory Assistance Officers of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) prepared a fact sheet to provide general information about the hazardous waste requirements associated with generating, transporting and disposing of asbestos waste.