Asbestos Disposal by Council: Where & How to Get Rid of It in the UK

Aberdeen City Council provides no uplift or disposal service for asbestos of any kind, and it cannot go in household or garden waste. All asbestos must be taken to a facility licensed to accept it; for a licensed contractor, residents are directed to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Asbestos is not accepted at Barnet's Summers Lane recycling centre. As a North London Waste Authority borough, residents can book an appointment to take cement-bonded asbestos to the Hornsey Street centre in Islington (brought by car or van, not on foot), or order a free asbestos collection from the City of London service. It must be double-wrapped in thick polythene and sealed; never saw or break sheets. Larger amounts or non-bonded asbestos need a licensed contractor.

Across Bedfordshire — Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton — asbestos is not accepted at the household recycling centres, and the councils do not run a collection service. Residents are directed to a registered, licensed waste contractor to remove and dispose of it safely under a hazardous-waste consignment note.

Asbestos is not accepted at Belfast's recycling centres or in any bins. The council offers a limited collection of cement-based asbestos only, up to 120kg, one collection per household per year. Residents must remove, bag or wrap the asbestos themselves (the council supplies up to two sets of collection bags). Contact 028 9027 0230 to check eligibility; larger or non-cement asbestos must go to a licensed facility.

Berkshire is covered by six councils and the rules vary. Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest share the re3 sites (Smallmead and Longshot Lane) — up to 60kg of asbestos free, by pre-booking and calling re3 to confirm, double-wrapped. West Berkshire accepts up to 15 cement-bonded sheets a year free at Newbury by appointment; Slough (Chalvey) gives the first two sheets free then charges per piece; Windsor & Maidenhead takes up to three sheets at its Maidenhead site. Always double-wrap, seal and label, and check your council's current rules.

Bexley accepts small amounts of household asbestos at its recycling centre for safe disposal (it will not be collected through kerbside services). It must be double-wrapped in strong 1000-gauge polythene and sealed with broad tape, with all loose edges secured. On arrival, report to site staff, who unlock the asbestos container for you to deposit it (recorded in the asbestos register). Asbestos water tanks are not accepted; larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

Birmingham offers a free home collection for bonded asbestos cement (roofing sheets, pipes, guttering) — you cannot take asbestos to recycling centres. It is limited to up to 6 wrapped bags, once per 6-month period. Large pieces must be wrapped and sealed in heavy-duty plastic sheeting and debris damped down and double-bagged; leave it at the front of the property for collection within two weeks (request via a BRUM account). More than 6 bags must go to a licensed asbestos disposal company.

Blackburn with Darwen's licensed asbestos site is the George Street West recycling centre, where staff provide the correct wrapping to package the asbestos at no cost. Householders may bring a maximum of 6 bags (or equivalent), securely wrapped. Anyone arriving without the correct packaging, with asbestos not appropriately wrapped, or with more than 6 bags will be refused for health-and-safety reasons.

Blackpool residents can take small quantities of cement-bonded asbestos from their own home to the tip at Bristol Avenue, Bispham — 3 free bags per household. You must first visit the recycling centre office (Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri) with a council tax or utility bill to be issued the bags and a receipt; the asbestos is sealed in the supplied red sack then the white sack. It is only accepted 10:00am–3:45pm, seven days a week. No asbestos from commercial activities is accepted.

Bristol accepts only bonded asbestos at a recycling centre, limited to three sheets or three 25kg bags per visit/week (whichever is fewer). Each sheet must be wrapped twice in heavy-duty polythene and sealed with tape (unwrapped asbestos is refused) and not mixed with other waste. Phone 0117 922 2100 first to check there is space in the skip; there is no collection service, and larger or contractor amounts need a licensed contractor.

Bromley provides a facility for householders to dispose of some of the least dangerous (bonded) types of asbestos at its Waldo Road recycling centre, kept in sealed bags and deposited into a locked container with staff help. Alternatively residents can arrange a City of London collection of small quantities. Note the Waldo Road site has been temporarily closed (weekend access from Baths Road since 31 January 2026, full reopening expected late 2026) — check current status before travelling. Larger amounts or other types need a licensed contractor.

Buckinghamshire accepts only bonded asbestos from households, and you must first apply for a free asbestos waste permit (valid one year, usable up to three times). The limit is three normal bin-liner bags or four sheets of about 2m × 1m, double-wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene and taped per HSE guidance. It can only go to designated sites: Amersham, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and Langley. Items with asbestos inside (e.g. storage heaters) should go to a specialist contractor.

Cambridgeshire does not accept asbestos at recycling centres, but runs a permit-and-bag scheme for small quantities of cement-bonded asbestos (equivalent to two roof sheets or less) that a resident has removed from their own home. An admin fee of £14.85 applies (bags, permit and disposal are otherwise free), limited to once per 12 months. Supplied bags are 2.59m × 1.37m; contents must be sealed with industrial tape and the permit is valid six weeks. Demolition or improvement waste needs a licensed contractor.

Cardiff offers a free kerbside collection for small amounts of asbestos — it must fit in one council-supplied asbestos sack (1150mm × 870mm) placed inside a clear bag so it is double-bagged. Alternatively, residents can take a maximum of two asbestos bags to the Bessemer Close recycling centre, using council-supplied sacks and booking by phone on 029 2087 2087 (asbestos can't be booked online). More than two sacks must be removed by a licensed company.

In Cheshire the rules differ by area. Cheshire East accepts bonded asbestos (up to six sheets) at its Crewe and Macclesfield sites, but only by appointment, double-wrapped in heavy-duty polythene. Cheshire West and Chester does not accept asbestos at any recycling centre and directs residents to a licensed removal company. Always double-wrap and seal, and confirm with your council first.

Cornwall accepts bonded-type household asbestos at its recycling centres with a free allowance of up to 8 bags or 4 sheets per week; anything over that is charged at £10.80 per sheet or bag. It must be double-wrapped or bagged in strong plastic, kept damp, and not broken. Phone the SUEZ helpdesk on 01726 828230 before visiting to confirm which sites accept it and book if required. Larger amounts or non-bonded types need a licensed contractor.

County Durham accepts cement-bonded asbestos at four recycling centres — Annfield Plain, Horden, Romanway (Bishop Auckland) and Tudhoe — and you must apply in advance for a free household hazardous-waste permit. It must be double-bagged in two strong plastic bags, sealed with duct tape and the outer bag labelled. Larger amounts or non-bonded asbestos should go via a licensed contractor.

Coventry accepts small amounts of bonded asbestos at the recycling centre on Bar Road (Coventry residents, free to use), by booking only — 'no entry without a booking'. You may bring no more than 6 sacks (or equivalent) per month, each piece no larger than 2m × 1m, double-bagged or wrapped in heavy-duty plastic sheeting and kept damp. You cannot break up asbestos on site, or staff will require rewrapping.

Croydon residents must not put asbestos in a wheelie bin or take it to a recycling centre. Instead the City of London Hazardous Waste Unit runs a free collection — up to 15m² of asbestos sheeting, or five half-filled sealed builders' rubble bags. Sheeting must be wrapped individually in thick polythene (do not break sheets to bag them) and broken pieces bagged in sealed rubble bags one person can carry. For larger amounts call 020 7332 3433; for removal use a licensed contractor.

In Cumbria, small amounts of hard-bonded household asbestos are accepted at recycling centres including Carlisle, and (in Westmorland & Furness) Barrow, Kendal and Flusco (Penrith) — free of charge, but a maximum of four sheets per day over up to three visits, with each piece under about six feet. Call the site ahead to check space, and double-wrap in plastic sealed with tape. Larger amounts need a licensed waste carrier.

Bonded asbestos is not accepted at Darlington's tip/recycling centre (Mewburn Road), and as asbestos is not classed as household waste the council is not obliged to collect it. It is hazardous waste, and putting it in ordinary bins is an offence that can attract a fine. Residents must use a licensed waste carrier/contractor to remove and dispose of it.

Derby City Council's Raynesway recycling centre accepts only bonded asbestos cement sheets (e.g. from garages or sheds) — no loose fibres or business waste — up to 3 sheets or 3 small bags per household per calendar year, double-wrapped in thick plastic and securely taped. Visits Monday–Saturday must be booked in advance (Derby Direct, 0333 200 6981); Sundays need no booking. It counts toward the 12 annual visit limit; larger amounts or other types need a licensed contractor.

Derbyshire's recycling centres accept only small quantities of asbestos — a maximum of 2 sheets or 2 metres of pipe from minor repairs — once only, with no return visits. There is a charge of £6 per sheet or equivalent volume, card payment only. It must be double-wrapped in plastic sheeting or bags and taped so no fibres escape (dampen first; do not break or cut it). Larger quantities must go to a private asbestos removal contractor.

Devon's recycling centres accept small amounts of bonded, household-origin asbestos only, and there is a charge. The limit is 10 sheets/bags (sheets up to 3m × 1.5m), double-wrapped in tough plastic and sealed with duct tape — site staff cannot help load it. It is accepted at nine named sites only (including Exeter, Barnstaple/Bideford, Newton Abbot and Tiverton); ring 0345 1551010 to check availability for large sheets. Other types and larger/contractor amounts need a licensed contractor.

In Dorset, small amounts of bonded asbestos are accepted by pre-booked appointment at three Dorset Council sites — Blandford, Wareham and Weymouth — double-bagged and labelled. In the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, the recycling centres take a free allowance and then charge (around £10.50 per bag or £21 per sheet), double-wrapped in tough plastic. Larger amounts need a licensed company.

Asbestos is not accepted at Dudley's recycling centre (it is a restricted material) and the council does not offer an asbestos collection service. Residents are strongly advised to use an HSE-approved contractor — ideally an ARCA member — to remove and dispose of it professionally.

Ealing (a West London Waste Authority borough) accepts only cement-bonded asbestos from residents at the Abbey Road recycling centre, by appointment only (book on 020 8965 5497), with two forms of ID. No other asbestos types, and no trade waste, are accepted, and there is a charge (West London Waste publishes around £272 per tonne, £54.40 minimum — reconfirm at booking). It must be double-wrapped and sealed in heavy-duty polythene. Residents can alternatively use the City of London's free collection.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council accepts small amounts of household bonded asbestos at four sites with asbestos banks — Airmyn, Carnaby, Humberfield (Hessle) and Preston — up to the size of a single domestic garage and no more than 25 sheets. It must be wrapped in two layers of thick polythene with all joints taped into a sealed parcel and must not be broken up. Larger amounts, or business waste, must go to a specialist licensed contractor; the council does not offer a removal service.

In East Sussex, cement-bonded asbestos can be taken to the household waste sites at Eastbourne, Hastings, Heathfield and Newhaven — up to 6 bags or 4 sheets per month, by pre-booked appointment, at £8 per bag or sheet, double-bagged and sealed. In Brighton & Hove it is accepted only at the Hove site. Other asbestos types and larger amounts must go through a licensed contractor.

Edinburgh does not accept asbestos at its recycling centres — it is listed among the items you cannot bring — and the council offers no asbestos collection service. Residents must use a licensed specialist waste-management company for safe disposal.

Enfield (a North London Waste Authority borough) does not accept asbestos at its standard recycling points. Residents book an appointment to take cement-bonded asbestos to the Hornsey Street centre in Islington (by car or van, not on foot) via LondonEnergy, or use the City of London's free collection. It must be double-wrapped in thick polythene and fully sealed — never break, saw or cut sheets. Larger amounts or non-bonded asbestos need a licensed contractor.

Essex does not accept asbestos at any recycling centre or kerbside collection. Instead, Essex County Council runs a subsidised home-collection service — one per household each financial year — booked online or by phone, with the material double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic. Southend and Thurrock do not offer a collection service, so residents there must use a licensed specialist contractor.

Asbestos cannot be taken to Gateshead's recycling centres. Instead the council collects cement-bound asbestos only (e.g. garage/shed roofing, drainpipes, sheets) from domestic properties — it will not collect asbestos removed by someone else or from contract work. Limits are up to 14 bags (max 25kg each) or 12 sheets of 3ft × 6ft, double-bagged/double-wrapped and fully sealed with duct tape. The collection charge is not published on the council's page.

Glasgow accepts only small household asbestos items at the Shieldhall recycling centre, by pre-booking via an online form. Items must be brought in a car (no vans or trailers), placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double-taped, with ID shown on arrival. The council will not accept asbestos from refurbishment or renovation work — that must go through an accredited asbestos removal contractor.

Gloucestershire's recycling centres accept only cement-bonded asbestos removed by householders (not contractors). You must first order official asbestos disposal bags and a permit, wrap and seal the asbestos in the provided bags, and pre-book a visit (selecting 'Asbestos' and adding the permit number). Only asbestos in the provided bags is accepted, and a limited number of bags are available per household. Contractor-removed or larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

In Greater Manchester, cement-bonded asbestos (only) is taken via Recycle for Greater Manchester at four waste transfer facilities — Oldham, Bredbury, Salford and Sharston — double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic, with proof that the waste is from your own home. Wigan runs its own service, accepting asbestos at Kirkless by booking. Contractor-removed asbestos counts as business waste and cannot use these sites.

Household cement-type asbestos is accepted by appointment only at Halton's two recycling centres — Johnsons Lane (Widnes) and Picow Farm Road (Runcorn) — booked by emailing hdl@halton.gov.uk or calling 0303 333 4300 (the service runs once every three weeks per site). It should be thoroughly wetted, not cut or broken, double-wrapped in 500-gauge Visqueen and sealed with heavy-duty tape. Waste removed by a contractor becomes trade waste and is not accepted.

In Hampshire, cement-bonded asbestos sheet is accepted at five sites — Andover, Basingstoke, Efford, Netley and Port Solent (Portsmouth) — up to 15 sheets (max 1200mm × 600mm), which you must phone to pre-book. It is free within your household DIY-waste allowance, then £12 per sheet or part-sheet. Southampton's own site does not accept asbestos (nearest route is Netley). Other types and larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

Haringey (a North London Waste Authority borough) follows the same route as the other NLWA boroughs: asbestos is not accepted at standard recycling points, but residents can book an appointment to take cement-bonded asbestos to the Hornsey Street centre in Islington (by car or van), or use the City of London's free collection. It must be double-wrapped in thick polythene and sealed — never break or saw sheets. Larger amounts or non-bonded asbestos need a licensed contractor.

Hartlepool accepts household asbestos at its recycling centre (entrance on Burn Road) for Hartlepool residents only, with address checks. It must be wrapped in the specialist red-and-white asbestos bags provided by the council, charged at £7.20 per bag. Items larger than 100cm × 15cm must instead go via a specialist licensed contractor; anything not correctly double-bagged or not fitting the supplied bags is refused.

Herefordshire accepts household asbestos at the Hereford and Leominster recycling centres only, double-bagged or wrapped in plastic sheeting and sealed, and it must fit the container openings (84cm × 158cm). Call the site ahead (01432 343420) to check capacity and tell a site assistant on arrival. Only household waste is accepted — no commercial or business asbestos — and larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

In Hertfordshire, small amounts of bonded (white) household asbestos are accepted at the Welwyn Garden City recycling centre on Fridays and the Ware centre on Mondays — one bag (max 20kg) per visit, once a year, and only by prior booking. It must be double-bagged in UN-approved asbestos packaging (a red inner bag plus a clear outer bag). The council's home-collection service ended in February 2025, so larger amounts or other types need a licensed contractor.

Hull City Council accepts household asbestos only at the Wiltshire Road recycling centre, where you deposit it into the asbestos container yourself following site staff instructions. It must be double-bagged, wrapped and sealed in suitable heavy-duty plastic (soil, rubble or garden-waste bags, or heavy-duty sheeting) — carrier bags, pedal-bin liners, lightweight black bags, cling film and bubble wrap are not accepted, and it must never go in domestic bins.

Kent's recycling centres accept small quantities of household asbestos free of charge — no more than 5 sacks (or equivalent) per month — at all Kent sites except Sheerness. You must book a slot before visiting (same day or up to two weeks ahead), wear gloves and a face mask, and not break or cut it; the asbestos container is kept locked, so ask a member of staff. For large quantities, or if you need it collected, use a licensed contractor.

Lancashire's recycling centres accept correctly wrapped cement-bonded household asbestos free of charge — up to 6 sheets or bags per visit and 18 per year — wrapped in heavy-duty polythene, with smaller pieces double-bagged and sealed. Centres provide asbestos wrapping materials free in limited quantities. Only cement-bonded asbestos is accepted; other (fibrous) types must be removed by a registered contractor, and not every site accepts it (e.g. Skelmersdale does not), so check locally first.

Leicester City Council accepts only cement-bonded asbestos, double-wrapped in plastic, at the Freemen's Common recycling centre only (not Gypsum Close), up to eight sheets per visit. Phone 0116 254 3568 before visiting, as it is only accepted if the container has space. A permit is required for a van, pick-up, or a car with a trailer over 1.4m. Other (non-cement-bonded) asbestos must go to a licensed waste carrier.

Leicestershire accepts only cement-bonded asbestos (not blue, brown or non-cement-bonded) at four sites — Coalville, Kibworth, Mountsorrel and Whetstone — and a free waste permit is required, applied for online. There is a charge of £10 per sheet (approx. 2400mm × 1200mm) or per 3-metre length of guttering/pipe, or £10 per tub over the free allowance. All sheets and broken pieces must be double-wrapped in clear or red hazard plastic before arrival.

In Lincolnshire, asbestos cannot go to the standard recycling centres. Lincolnshire County Council runs an appointment-only white-asbestos service at specialist points in Lincoln and Skegness — up to 20kg, in a council-supplied bag, twice per household per year. North Lincolnshire (Scunthorpe) and North East Lincolnshire (Grimsby) accept limited bonded asbestos at one named site each, by request/booking. Larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

Most London boroughs do not accept asbestos at ordinary recycling centres. The most common route is the City of London's Hazardous Waste Collection Service, which collects wrapped bonded asbestos from the doorstep on behalf of 31 of the 32 boroughs (all except Hillingdon) plus the City — the first 15m² (about seven builders' rubble bags) collected free, one collection per rolling year, domestic only (020 7332 3433). Some boroughs also let residents book asbestos into a specific recycling centre. Only cement-bonded asbestos is handled this way, double-wrapped and sealed; other types and larger amounts need a licensed contractor. Rules vary by borough, so check your own council's page.

Medway accepts household bonded/cement asbestos (roofing, downpipes, gutters, flues, tiles) at three recycling centres — Capstone (Chatham), Cuxton and Hoath Way (Gillingham) — by appointment; phone 01634 333 333 the working day before to confirm space. It must be sealed before arrival, either in UN-approved packaging with a dangerous-goods label or double-wrapped and taped in 1000-gauge polythene; anything not double-wrapped is turned away. Maximum sheet size is 2m × 3.5m. Other asbestos types are not accepted and need a licensed contractor.

Across Merseyside, small amounts of bonded (cement-type) household asbestos are accepted by appointment only at three recycling centres — Bidston, Huyton and Southport — booked via the Veolia Merseyside & Halton asbestos service; each site runs the service once every three weeks, so travel only once you receive confirmation. It must be double-wrapped in 500-gauge Visqueen or builder's rubble bags and sealed with heavy-duty tape (bin bags are refused). Trade or contractor-removed waste is not accepted, and other asbestos types need a licensed contractor.

Middlesbrough accepts asbestos at its recycling centre by pre-booked appointment only — you cannot turn up unbooked, and you cannot wrap asbestos on site. All asbestos (plus any masks, overalls and sheeting used) must be double-bagged in UN-approved heavy-duty sacks, or asbestos cement double-wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene, sealed with tape and clearly labelled; ordinary bin liners are not permitted, and staff inspect the packaging on arrival.

In Milton Keynes, only the New Bradwell recycling centre is licensed to accept household sheet asbestos — no other MK centre accepts it, and commercial, construction or demolition asbestos is not accepted. It must be securely wrapped (double-bagged or taped in polythene sheeting) and small enough to fit through the slot of the containment bin, and a slot must be booked. The council cannot collect asbestos via bin or bulky-waste collections, so larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

Asbestos is not accepted at any of Newcastle's recycling centres, and the council does not collect it. Residents must arrange removal and disposal through a specialist private contractor. If the contractor transports the asbestos they must be registered with the Environment Agency, and you have a legal duty to check this and obtain a consignment note.

Newport may accept small amounts of cement-bonded asbestos at its recycling centre under an 'asbestos acceptance procedure' — contact the council for advice first. A booking is required before visiting (no booking, no entry) and proof of address must be shown. Asbestos should be double-bagged in heavy-duty polythene and clearly labelled; larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

Norfolk County Council does not accept asbestos at any of its recycling centres, even during hazardous-waste events, and runs no council collection service. Residents are advised to remove and dispose of all types of asbestos through a specialist licensed contractor.

North Yorkshire Council accepts small quantities of cement-bonded asbestos free of charge at seven recycling centres — Harrogate (Penny Pot Lane), Malton/Norton, Northallerton, Seamer Carr, Selby, Skipton and Whitby. It must be double-bagged or wrapped in two layers of thick plastic with all joints taped and sealed, or it will be refused. If you have more than ten sheets (approx. 1.8m × 1.2m) you must contact the council first to check container space. It is not accepted at any mobile recycling centre.

In Northamptonshire the rules differ. West Northamptonshire does not accept asbestos at its recycling centres, but small quantities of bonded asbestos from householders are taken at the Thalia waste transfer station in Northampton (Brackmills) — up to 5 sheets by appointment, wrapped in clear polythene, for a fee (around £86.50 for up to 5 sheets). North Northamptonshire does not accept it at any recycling centre, so residents there must hire a licensed specialist.

In Northern Ireland, asbestos must not go in household waste or recycling collections, and only sites licensed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) can accept it. Some councils (e.g. Belfast) offer a limited collection of small amounts of cement-based asbestos, but check your own council. Otherwise it should be double-bagged or wrapped in heavy-duty (1000-gauge) polythene, sealed and labelled, and taken to an NIEA-licensed transfer site, or removed by a licensed contractor.

Northumberland does not accept asbestos at its recycling centres. Instead the council runs a chargeable collection service for cement-bound asbestos that the resident dismantles and packages themselves (double-wrapped in thick plastic and taped; broken pieces double-bagged), up to a maximum of 360kg — about a single garage roof. Published prices start at around £129 for one sheet or £121 for one bag, rising incrementally. Non-cement-bound asbestos needs a phone call for advice (0345 600 6400).

In Nottinghamshire, asbestos is not accepted at recycling centres. Nottinghamshire County Council runs a paid, appointment-only service (one load, sheets under 180cm × 90cm, double-bagged in 1000-gauge plastic) — currently £120 per appointment. Nottingham City runs a separate booked service (about one car-boot load) on 0115 915 5555. Both are for residents disposing of asbestos from their own home; larger jobs need a licensed contractor.

Oxfordshire accepts household cement-bonded asbestos (such as pipes or garage roofing) at three centres — Ardley, Redbridge and Dix Pit — and you must book your visit at least 24 hours ahead. The limit is four sheets per visit, each no larger than 2m × 1m, with no more than two sheets wrapped together, and you must be able to lift the package yourself. Keep sheets damp, don't saw or break them, and double-wrap in 1000-gauge polythene. Other asbestos types must go to a professional contractor.

Peterborough offers a disposal service at the Fengate recycling centre for small quantities of white cement-bonded asbestos from your own home only. You must apply in advance (with photos) — you can't just turn up — and each household gets one free bag per 12 months (roughly one or two small sheets, or a single pipe/flue/gutter up to 2.2m). The council supplies bags, which must be sealed and fit the 1.2m skip opening. Larger amounts (max six sheets) are chargeable, and non-domestic or excess asbestos needs a specialist contractor.

Plymouth allows small amounts of bonded asbestos at the Chelson Meadow recycling centre, booked two weeks in advance, with each item under 25kg and charged at £12.50 per bag or sheet (card only). It must be double-wrapped in strong bags or plastic sheeting before transport. Items over 25kg require a licensed asbestos removal service, which the council recommends for handling asbestos generally.

Redcar & Cleveland accepts household asbestos at the Dunsdale recycling centre for borough residents only, by online booking. Pieces must be a maximum of 4ft × 3ft and double-wrapped/double-bagged using a minimum 300-gauge polythene sack, sealed. Commercial, business or industrial waste is refused, and larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

A limited amount of household/DIY asbestos cement can be taken to the recycling centre in Shidas Lane, Oldbury, but only between 8–9am or 2–3pm daily. You must obtain a free asbestos permit on site with proof of residence and ID, and buy the official disposal bags from the on-site machine (small £1 a pair, extra-large £4 a pair) — waste double-bagged in the red then clear bags. Contractor/trade waste is prohibited, and the council recommends using a licensed contractor.

There is no single national household service in Scotland — practice varies by council. Some accept limited bonded/cement asbestos at recycling or waste-transfer sites, usually by booking, in restricted amounts and sometimes for a charge; others accept none and require a licensed contractor. Always check your own council first. The regulator is the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA); asbestos above 0.1% is hazardous/special waste and must go to an authorised site.

Shropshire's recycling centres accept only small quantities of cement-bonded asbestos (e.g. from corrugated garage roofs). You must contact the site in advance to arrange a time and collect free wrapping materials — don't just turn up. Keep sheets intact, wrap in the plastic provided, seal with tape, and place in the marked red skips. Large quantities, or asbestos from a commercial building such as a farm, must be handled by a professional contractor.

Asbestos is not accepted at Solihull's Bickenhill recycling centre; instead the council runs an asbestos permit scheme allowing disposal at a facility in Coventry (Bar Road). Only one permit is issued per month and a maximum of 6 sheets/bags may be disposed of per visit, each piece within roughly 2m × 1m, double-wrapped in plastic and sealed in liftable sizes. Obtain a permit and book on 0121 704 8000; commercial/trade asbestos is not accepted.

Somerset's recycling sites accept cement-bonded sheet asbestos from the home — up to eight 50-litre sacks (or equivalent 2m sheets) free per calendar month across up to four visits, with excess charged at £19.30 per sheet, and pre-booking required. It must be securely double-bagged or wrapped in clear heavy-duty plastic and sealed; staff cannot help unload. Contractor-removed asbestos is classed as commercial waste and refused. A separate paid home-collection service is also available.

In South Yorkshire, small amounts of household cement-bonded asbestos are accepted at recycling centres, mostly by appointment: Sheffield (four sites), Rotherham (Car Hill, up to 2 × 25kg bags), Doncaster (Armthorpe and Worsbrough, up to 8 packages, free) and Barnsley (Worsbrough). It must be double-bagged or double-wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene and sealed. Larger amounts from building work need a licensed contractor.

Asbestos is not classed as household waste in Southend and is not accepted at either recycling centre or via kerbside collection. It must be disposed of using a licensed specialist contractor arranged directly by the resident; the council lists example companies but does not endorse any.

Staffordshire accepts household bonded asbestos at five recycling centres — Bilbrook, Burton, Cannock, Leek and Stafford — limited to 4 sheets (no larger than 3ft × 3ft) or 4 bags (approx. 25kg) per household every six months, and only between 1pm and 3pm on open days. It must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty clear polythene and sealed, and not broken up; staff cannot help bag it. Trade or contractor asbestos is not accepted, and larger amounts need a licensed firm.

Domestic asbestos (e.g. from asbestos sheds and garages) can be taken to the Haverton Hill recycling centre if it is double-wrapped and clearly labelled. You must book a slot to access the centre and tell staff when booking that you want to dispose of asbestos (HWRC phone 01642 202307). Larger amounts or other types should go to a licensed contractor.

Asbestos cannot be taken to any Suffolk recycling centre. Instead, householders book a paid hazardous-waste collection (operated by Biffa) for small amounts of cement-bonded asbestos up to 50kg: £36 plus a collection charge of £53 (25 working days) or £62 (10 working days). Sheets must be individually wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene, sealed with strong tape and labelled with an asbestos warning; larger amounts need a contractor.

Sunderland City Council cannot collect asbestos, and its bulky-waste service excludes it as a hazardous material. Asbestos must be removed by a registered asbestos removal company; the council directs residents to find a registered company in Tyne and Wear, and hazardous items generally must go via a legally registered waste carrier.

In Surrey, small amounts of cement-bonded asbestos (up to about six sheets) can be taken to the Epsom, Guildford and Shepperton community recycling centres — sprayed with water and double-wrapped in heavy-duty polythene. Phone the site first to check there is space in the asbestos container, and bring proof of Surrey residency. No Surrey council offers an asbestos collection service, so larger amounts or other asbestos types need a licensed removal contractor.

Swansea runs a chargeable home collection for bonded asbestos (e.g. corrugated cement sheet, cement moulded products, vinyl floor tiles). Prices are per item — standard corrugated cement sheets are around £35 each (£30 for 4+), and a 25kg bag of broken asbestos cement/floor tiles about £50; a £20 levy applies beyond five miles of the Cwmbwrla depot. Book by phone on 01792 635600, with payment in advance. Larger quantities should go to a licensed commercial waste company.

Asbestos cannot be disposed of at Thurrock's Linford recycling centre, and the council will not remove it. Residents must find a privately-operated site that accepts asbestos, phoning ahead to confirm acceptance and charges. If removing it themselves, the council advises wetting the material, not breaking or sawing it, using a dust mask and overalls, and double-bagging it in two strong plastic bags.

Torbay accepts household asbestos at its recycling centre in a maximum of four strong plastic bags, double-wrapped and securely sealed, and a charge applies. Make site staff aware on arrival and place the asbestos into the container yourself. A licensed specialist contractor is recommended for removal, and acceptance can be temporarily suspended for facility works — check the recycling-centre booking page before travelling.

Welsh local authorities will sometimes accept asbestos waste, so contact your own council first; if they don't, you must arrange collection through a registered waste carrier. Approaches vary — some offer free or chargeable kerbside collection (e.g. Cardiff free, Swansea chargeable), some accept limited amounts at recycling centres by arrangement (e.g. Newport), and larger quantities always need a licensed company. The regulator is Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Household asbestos can be taken to Fryers Road recycling centre, Bloxwich, but only with a valid permit arranged in advance and only if correctly bagged. It must be double-bagged in specialist disposal bags bought from the council (£7.04 per pair) — waste in the red bag then the clear bag. The permit is issued only to the resident of the address where the asbestos originates; contractors cannot take it on your behalf.

Wandsworth (a Western Riverside Waste Authority borough) does not take asbestos through kerbside collection or a recycling-centre drop-off. Instead residents get one free collection of wrapped bonded asbestos per year (domestic waste only), organised by the City of London hazardous-waste service on the council's behalf. The asbestos must be wrapped before collection; for advice call 020 7332 3433, and larger amounts or non-bonded asbestos need a licensed contractor.

Warrington does not class asbestos as household waste, so a free community recycling centre permit is required to bring small amounts of cement-bonded asbestos to a centre. It must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty polythene sheets, bags or sacks, sealed securely and clearly labelled. Household asbestos cement can be disposed of without a licence, but other asbestos-containing materials need a licensed contractor. Tradespeople and builders cannot take asbestos to a recycling centre.

Warwickshire accepts small amounts of household asbestos at four recycling centres — Judkins, Hunters Lane, Lower House Farm and Princes Drive — up to 3 sheets (or equivalent) per household per month, no more than 20cm high, 150cm wide and 180cm long. It must be double-wrapped in heavy-gauge polythene, sealed with strong tape and labelled 'asbestos waste', or it will be refused, and you must report to the weighbridge or a staff member on arrival. Larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

In West Sussex, cement-bonded asbestos (only) is accepted free at the Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley and Worthing recycling sites, up to a maximum of 200kg, double-wrapped or double-bagged in clear 1,000-gauge polythene and sealed. Other asbestos types and larger quantities need a private licensed contractor.

In West Yorkshire the rules vary by district and nearly all require an appointment. Kirklees (Emerald Street) and Wakefield accept limited bonded asbestos free by booking; Bradford accepts it at Bowling Back Lane by booking; Calderdale takes up to 8 sheets a year at Halifax; and Leeds accepts it only at the Kirkstall transfer station by appointment, where a charge applies. It must be double-wrapped in strong (1000-gauge) polythene and sealed. Check your council's current rules before travelling.

In Wiltshire, domestic cement-bonded asbestos is accepted by appointment at three sites — Purton, Amesbury and Warminster — up to 12 sheets (each no bigger than 1.5m × 2.5m), plastic-wrapped to stop dust, with proof of address. Do not take it to any other centre or break it up. Other asbestos types and larger amounts need a licensed contractor.

Asbestos is not accepted at Wolverhampton's tips. Instead a charged collection is provided by Wolverhampton Homes, costing £231.76 (including VAT) for up to 10 bags, covering bonded household items such as bath panels, garage/shed roofing sheets and drainpipes. Waste must be double-bagged and completely sealed, each bag a liftable weight (no more than 20kg). Asbestos from a trader's work is not included.

In Worcestershire, cement-bonded asbestos is accepted at several recycling centres including Worcester (Hallow Road), Malvern, Pershore, Redditch and Stourport — double-bagged or wrapped in plastic sheeting and sealed, and it is best to ring the site ahead to confirm the container is available. Do not break the material up. For removal, the county council directs residents to their district council or a licensed contractor.

City of York Council accepts wrapped bonded asbestos at Hazel Court recycling centre, but there is a charge that depends on the amount (see the council's chargeable-waste guidance). Booking is required — there is only one secure asbestos container and space is not always available, so call the Customer Centre on 01904 551551 first. It must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic with nothing protruding. A householder-only collection service is also available for those who can't transport it; other asbestos types (e.g. insulation board) should go to a licensed contractor.