Colorado Asbestos Disposal
Colorado asbestos disposal is strictly governed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division under Air Quality Control Commission Regulation Number 8 (5 CCR 1001-10). Because improperly discarded asbestos poses severe airborne risks in dry Front Range climates, Colorado mandates rigorous packaging, manifesting, and authorized landfill disposal.
CDPHE Regulation 8 Waste Packaging and Handling Rules
The state of Colorado enforces comprehensive asbestos waste management rules through CDPHE Regulation Number 8, Part B. Under Colorado law, all asbestos-containing waste material generated during abatement or demolition must be managed under wet conditions to prevent visible dust emissions. Waste is categorized into friable and non-friable materials, with friable waste—such as scraped popcorn ceilings, pipe lagging, and acoustic plaster—subject to the most demanding containment controls.
CDPHE mandates that all asbestos waste be sealed inside leak-tight containers. The standard protocol requires double-bagging in heavy, clear or opaque six-mil polyethylene bags. Each bag must be individually goosenecked, sealed with high-tensile duct tape, and marked with federally approved OSHA and DOT warning labels. Labels must explicitly identify the asbestos hazard and display the name and location of the waste generator. Large, rigid components such as transite pipes or siding may be wrapped in double six-mil poly sheeting instead of bags.
| Packaging Standard | Technical Specification | Enforcing Mandate | Applicable Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double 6-Mil Poly Bags | Two leak-tight 6-mil plastic bags | CDPHE Reg 8, Part B, Sec. III | Scraped popcorn texture, plaster, tile debris |
| Double 6-Mil Poly Sheeting | Wrapped & taped continuous plastic | CDPHE Reg 8 Structural Rules | Transite siding panels, pipe sections, ducting |
| OSHA/DOT Hazard Warning Label | Carcinogen warning & generator details | 49 CFR 172 & OSHA 1926.1101 | Affixed to all exterior bags and bundles |
| Waste Shipment Record (Manifest) | Official Colorado state tracking form | CDPHE Waste Manifest Rules | Accompanies every load to permitted landfill |
Permitted Landfills in Colorado and Tipping Fees
Asbestos waste cannot be discarded in routine municipal trash dumpsters or delivered to general construction recycling yards across Colorado. It can only be accepted at authorized solid waste facilities specifically permitted by CDPHE to operate dedicated asbestos disposal cells. In these cells, asbestos packages are unloaded into excavated trenches and covered with at least six inches of clean, non-asbestos compacted soil before the end of each operating day.
Major authorized disposal facilities serving Colorado include the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) in Aurora, the Front Range Landfill in Erie, the Foothills Landfill in Golden, and the Midway Landfill in Fountain. Landfill tipping fees in Colorado typically range from $80 to $180 per ton, often with a minimum fee of $60 to $120 for small residential loads. Most facilities require 24-to-48-hour advance scheduling and advance review of the Waste Shipment Record prior to admitting haulers onto the scales.
| Colorado Permitted Facility | Location & County | Accepted Waste Types | Typical Advance Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Arapahoe Disposal (DADS) | Aurora, Arapahoe County | Friable & Non-Friable RACM | 24 hours advance scheduling |
| Front Range Landfill | Erie, Weld County | Friable & Non-Friable asbestos | 24 to 48 hours notice |
| Foothills Landfill | Golden, Jefferson County | Non-friable & friable by permit | Advance manifest pre-approval |
| Midway Landfill | Fountain, El Paso County | All regulated asbestos waste | 24 hours advance notice |
Colorado homeowners performing exempt DIY removal on their primary single-family residence must still comply with packaging, labeling, and manifesting rules when delivering waste to permitted landfills.
Retaining a completed, signed copy of the Waste Shipment Record from the landfill operator provides certified legal documentation that the waste was disposed of lawfully.
How to Dispose of Asbestos Waste in Colorado
Steps for packaging, manifesting, and disposing of asbestos waste in Colorado.
Saturate Waste with Water Before Packaging
Mist all asbestos debris with surfactant-treated water to eliminate dust emissions during loading.
Package in Double-Layer Six-Mil Poly Bags
Place wet waste into two 6-mil poly bags, twist into goosenecks, seal with duct tape, and affix hazard labels.
Complete a Colorado Waste Shipment Record
Fill out the official manifest documenting the waste generator, material type, quantity, and transporter details.
Deliver to a Permitted CDPHE Landfill Cell
Schedule an appointment at an authorized landfill (such as DADS or Front Range) for monitored cell burial.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: Can I throw asbestos waste in my regular Colorado trash?
No, disposing of asbestos in curbside trash or standard roll-off dumpsters is strictly illegal under CDPHE Regulation 8.
Q2: What kind of bags are required for asbestos disposal in Colorado?
Waste must be double-bagged in leak-tight 6-mil polyethylene bags printed with OSHA/DOT hazard warnings.
Q3: Which landfills in the Denver metro area accept asbestos?
Permitted facilities include the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) in Aurora and Front Range Landfill in Erie.
Q4: How much does it cost to dispose of asbestos at Colorado landfills?
Landfill tipping fees range from $80 to $180 per ton, with minimum delivery charges typically between $60 and $120.
Q5: Can Colorado homeowners haul their own asbestos waste to the dump?
Yes, homeowners can transport properly packaged waste from their primary residence, provided they complete a waste manifest.
Q6: What is an asbestos Waste Shipment Record in Colorado?
A legally binding tracking form documenting generator details, transporter credentials, waste volume, and disposal site.
Q7: What happens to asbestos waste after arrival at the landfill?
It is deposited into a dedicated asbestos trench and immediately covered with at least six inches of compacted clean soil.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Colorado asbestos disposal demands strict compliance with CDPHE Regulation 8 protocols to protect public health and the state's arid environment. By wetting all materials, packaging debris in heavy double-layer six-mil poly, utilizing approved waste manifests, and hauling waste exclusively to permitted asbestos landfill cells, contractors and homeowners ensure total safety and environmental compliance.