Hazardous waste and substances

Asbestos advice

Asbestos is harmful and can cause serious diseases.

It is a material that has been used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold).

Asbestos could be in any building that was built or refurbished before 2000. Building materials that contain asbestos include:

  • ceiling tiles
  • floor tiles
  • window panels
  • pipe insulation
  • boilers
  • sprayed coatings

Why is it harmful

Asbestos is a hidden killer. It can cause these four serious diseases listed below:

  • mesothelioma, a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and the lower digestive tract
  • asbestos related lung cancer, the same as lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes
  • asbestosis, a serious scarring condition of the lungs that can cause shortness of breath
  • pleural thickening, thickening and swelling of the lining of the lung causing it to be squeezed, leading to shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest

Asbestos notification for licensed contractors

Licensed contractors will need to provide 14 days notice about work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating or asbestos insulating board in offices, shops and warehouses.

We also have the right to assess the proposals and inspect the site, before or during the work.

If the work is in a factory or public building, you should send the notification to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Unlicensed asbestos notifications

All unlicensed work needs to be carried out with the appropriate controls in place. But for notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW), employers also have additional requirements to:

  • notify work with asbestos to the relevant enforcing authority
  • ensure medical examinations are carried out
  • maintain registers of work (health records)

For more details on how to notify your relevant enforcing authority visit the HSE's website.

Asbestos in the home

The City of London operates a household hazardous waste collection and disposal service (HWCDS) on behalf of 31 of the 32 London boroughs (except Hillingdon borough) and the City of London.

The service is able to arrange for the removal of wrapped asbestos and packaged chemicals from households.

If you find that you have either asbestos or chemicals to dispose of, you will need to complete the online form with the details of what needs to be collected.

Contact

If you are in any doubt as to whether asbestos is present, or if you are working on a product known to contain asbestos, you should leave it alone and get specialist advice:

  • if you are a home owner, contact a licensed asbestos removal company
  • if you are on a works or construction site, contact the HSE
  • if you live in social or council housing, contact your landlord or housing provider
  • if you rent privately, email the council's private sector housing team at propertyregulation@ealing.gov.uk 
  • on the public highway (roads or footpaths maintained by the council), telephone 020 8825 5000
  • on neighbouring premises