Hazardous waste and substances frequently asked questions

Asbestos
I think I have asbestos in my home/at work, what do I do?
If you suspect that it's asbestos do not drill, saw or disturb the material as it can be potentially damaging to your health. You can get help in the following ways: 

My neighbour is dismantling his garage, I am afraid that the dust is asbestos.
Call Ealing Customer Service Centre. We will take the details and an environmental health officer will inspect to confirm if there is a risk. If it is asbestos, the officer will ensure it is dealt with safely. 

How do I dispose of asbestos?
Do not put asbestos waste into the dustbin. There are special arrangements for the disposal of asbestos waste. Asbestos cement must be disposed of at a site licensed to accept it. We can send you an advice pack to help you identify if you have asbestos and how to deal with it. Ealing residents can take their own household asbestos cement to: West Waste Civil Amenity Site, Victoria Road, South Ruislip, Middlesex. Tel: (020) 8841 4546. 

The Corporation of London provides a free service for the collection of limited amounts of household asbestos in the London area. The asbestos must be wrapped in heavy gauge polythene in quantities that can be lifted by one person. For further details on the service, or to arrange a collection, telephone (020) 7332 3433. 

Reporting dumped asbestos
On the highway/public land/private alleyway – we can report this as flytipping, and it will be treated as an emergency and removed carefully. On commercial property - you will need to speak to environmental health officer in the business regulation and support section. Tel: (020) 8825 6666.

Radiation
I am concerned about the mobile telephone masts in my area?
All mobile phone masts have to comply with certain radiation levels. Mobile companies provide a certificate at the planning stage with details of the radiation levels. If the mast complies, the environmental health department has no powers to object it. To our knowledge all measurements of radiation levels that have been carried out so far have been significantly below the guideline levels set by the International Committee for Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNRP). More information can be obtained from the National Radiological Protection Board.

I heard there is a proposal to put up mobile telephone masts, when are residents consulted?
The planning department will consult anybody who is within a certain distance of the proposed mast. If you live within the relevant distance, you will be consulted.

Who decides the safety of mobile phones?
The government decides about safety of mobile phones, on the basis of scientific research information. Mobile phone companies are now required to comply with a certain maximum level of radiation. More research is continually going on worldwide and the government is likely to change its requirements if new research provides new evidence.

What is the council doing about trains that bring nuclear waste through the borough?
British Nuclear Fuel Ltd (BNFL) who take waste containers through the Willesden and Harlesden stations obtain permits for this transport from railtrack. The local authority has no power to prohibit such transport. Any accidents or transport incidents nationwide are recorded by the Department For Transport, Local Government and the Regions.