Options and Opinions ...

Post Reply | Watch this Post

Hi bh,

In short, it's best to check w/your local Municipality, County, or (at worst) State Agency on the regulations for home owners when it comes to removing AND disposing asbestos siding.

Generally speaking, non-friable asbestos siding (the solid, shingles) are not a hazard unless they're broken up as you remove them. When they break, they will release asbestos/hazardous particles! Now, in my Municipality, a home owner can remove the shingles. In fact, 10 years ago when I did this, I was permitted to put a limited quantity out in the trash BUT I didn't. Instead, I rented a 15 yard HAZARDOUS WASTE dumpster for them, and also threw away a LOT of other hazardous stuff (roofing shingles, insulation, paint, etc., etc.) in it. It cost $450 for the week.

I did wear light, long pants and a long sleeve, white shirt (all to keep cool), gloves and a mask, and I DIDN'T bust up the shingles. I stacked them in the driveway until I was finished the job. I manually removed 22 squares (2200 sq. ft.) w/the help of my Dad and my nephew. Then, I dragged all the rest of my hazardous waste to the driveway as well. THEN, and only after I pulled out all my 'trash' did I order the dumpster.

If you order the dumpster too soon, your neighbors and passer-bys will start to fill it BEFORE you do! I suggest you don't get the dumpster until you're finished your siding job too. That way, you can toss all your waste into the dumpster, at once, and THEN if you have extra room, ask your neighbors for a few $$$ if they want to throw hazardous stuff in it. I suggest you cut up some 2 x 10's into 3' pieces and have the Hauler 'lay' the legs of the dumpster on the wood. (You can position the wood under the dumpster legs as the Hauler unloades the dumpster on your driveway.) The reason I suggest this is because that dumpster will weigh a TON or more when it's full!!! If it's hot or if it weighs a TON, it will damage the driveway. The wood planks will protect your driveway. Also, ask the Hauler not to 'drag' the dumpster when unloading AND when loading it back on the truck. (Tip him $5 on delivery AND on pickup, and make his day BEFORE he unload and loads the dumpster. A few $$$ goes a long, LONG way ...) If you can estimate the amount of siding you have, along w/the other 'trash' you have in the house, the Hauler should be able to estimate the size of the dumpster you'll need. Go higher vs. lower! The cost isn't that much more.

Lastly, when you ctc the Hauler to order a dumpster, make sure you tell the Hauler that you'll have hazardous waste. And make SURE your paperwork says the same! AND make sure your paperwork 'says' that the Hauler is responsible for the refuse when it leaves your property. (The last thing you need is to get fined for him 'dumping' your waste in an empty lot where the waste was traced back to you!) Ask your Municipality for guidance on this BEFORE you call for a Hauler.

My best to ya and hope this helps.

Jay J -Moderator

PS: God Bless America!