Domestic Asbestos

[Ladybyrne]

I have carefully removed the 9"x7" asbestos iron stand from an old ironing board and would now like to dispose of it responsibly. I was amazed when I rang the local Council to find that although they do dispose of asbestos they want £40 for doing so. Seems a bit expensive to me, especially for such a small piece. Do I just pay up?

[The Builder]

How very sad. Not exactly encouraging people to act responsibly is it?
Some Council recycling depots have a container for this, where you can take it yourself. Perhaps the £40 charge is for them to come and pick it up.

[Ladybyrne]

Thanks Builder for your kind response. The local recycling depots don't accept asbestos at all and when I rang the council I offered to bring the asbestos to them but it is still a flat-rate charge of £40 to dispose of it. Tempting to just stick it in the bin but of course I won't do that! I'll maybe just have to go further afield to find somewhere willing to take it off my hands.

[Zacs-Master]

Why did you remove it?

[Ladybyrne]

Hi Zacs-Master. Because I've just had a new ironing board and the local recycling depots won't take the old one with the asbestos iron-rest on it.

[diddlydo]

Sorry - I'm an avid recycler but something like that I'd definitely put in the rubbish bin.

[RATTER15]

Our local recycling centre also charges to take asbestos, even if you take it there, the same with plasterboard builders rubble and earth.

[Wak]

I'd be inclined to bury it in my garden. Maybe under the rockery??

[Dizmo]

I'd just ring the council back and tell them you aren't going to pay. That you will stick it in the household bin. Does one not pay enough in council tax already without being charged to remove a hazardous material?

[Ladybyrne]

Thank all for your responses. Still undecided about what to do but feeling more and more inclined to put it in the rubbish bin.