How Do You Get Rid of Asbestos Safely?
Learning how do you get rid of asbestos safely requires determining whether materials truly need extraction or can be safely encapsulated, hiring accredited hazardous abatement contractors, and executing certified waste disposal.
Evaluating Removal vs. Encapsulation Strategies
When property owners discover asbestos-containing materials in a residential or commercial building, the immediate emotional response is often to demand complete, urgent removal. However, environmental health agencies including the EPA and OSHA emphasize that removing asbestos is not always the safest or most sensible course of action. Intact, undisturbed building materials—such as sound vinyl floor tiles or unblemished siding—present zero airborne inhalation hazard to occupants.
The physical act of removing asbestos inevitably involves mechanical disturbance, which carries inherent risks of aerosolizing microscopic mineral fibers. Therefore, getting rid of asbestos begins with evaluating whether encapsulation or full physical abatement is the superior strategy. Encapsulation seals the material beneath an impermeable barrier, permanently neutralizing the hazard without generating hazardous waste.
The table below compares the advantages, risks, and financial dynamics of complete physical removal versus protective encapsulation.
| Remediation Strategy | Operational Scope | Cost per Square Foot | Primary Safety Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Physical Abatement | Full stripping of materials down to bare structure | $5 to $15 per sq ft | Permanently eliminates hazard; maximizes resale value |
| Encapsulation (Coating) | Application of elastomeric polymer bridging seal | $2 to $5 per sq ft | Zero fiber disturbance; fast installation |
| Enclosure (Physical Barrier) | Building airtight drywall / underlayment over ACM | $3 to $6 per sq ft | Physically isolates materials behind new building surfaces |
| Operations & Maintenance (O&M) | Periodic visual surveillance & minor repair | Minimal ($0 to $200/yr) | Leaves intact materials untouched in place safely |
The Step-by-Step Professional Abatement Protocol
If materials are severely damaged, friable, or situated directly in the path of planned structural remodeling, complete physical removal becomes mandatory. Executing safe abatement requires a rigorous multi-phase engineering protocol that prevents toxic dust from escaping into adjacent living spaces.
First, certified technicians erect airtight containment barriers constructed from two layers of six-mil polyethylene plastic, sealing all doors, windows, and HVAC registers with heavy duct tape. High-capacity negative air machines equipped with certified HEPA filters continuously pull air from the containment zone, creating negative atmospheric pressure that guarantees air flows inward from clean areas, venting filtered exhaust outside.
The comparative matrix below outlines the critical engineering controls required during each operational phase of professional asbestos removal.
| Abatement Phase | Mandatory Engineering Controls | Operational Equipment Deployed | Compliance Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Preparation & Isolation | Airtight 6-mil poly barriers; HVAC lockout | Heavy polyethylene, duct tape, zipper airlocks | EPA NESHAP & OSHA Regulated Area |
| Atmospheric Depressurization | Continuous negative pressure (-0.02" water gauge) | Industrial HEPA air scrubbers & manometers | OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 Class I |
| Controlled Wet Stripping | Saturation with surfactant-treated amended water | Airless water sprayers, HEPA scrapers | Zero visible emissions standard |
| Decontamination & Clearance | Three-stage deconstruction airlock; TEM air pump | Electric air pumps & MCE filter cassettes | EPA AHERA Clearance (< 0.01 f/cc) |
Hazardous Packaging, Haulage, and Legal Burial
The final phase of getting rid of asbestos is certified hazardous waste disposal. All stripped debris must be wetted, packed into heavy-duty six-mil polyethylene waste sacks, and sealed in an airtight gooseneck configuration. The bag is placed inside a second labeled outer sack bearing permanent OSHA warning markings and specific generator address codes.
Waste shipments cannot be transported in personal pickup trucks or discarded in municipal dumps. Licensed hazardous haulers transport the sealed waste under an official Waste Shipment Record (WSR) manifest directly to a government-permitted landfill operating dedicated asbestos monofill trenches. Landfill operators bury the waste under at least six inches of clean soil daily, providing permanent environmental sequestration.
How to Safely Get Rid of Asbestos in Your Home
Confirm Presence with Accredited Testing
Hire an independent certified asbestos inspector to test materials before planning any demolition.
Decide Between Removal and Encapsulation
Determine if intact materials can be safely painted or covered, or if full abatement is necessary.
Contract a Licensed Abatement Specialist
Hire an insured, licensed hazardous removal firm that establishes full negative-pressure containment.
Secure Certified Waste Manifest and Clearance
Obtain independent third-party air clearance reports and landfill waste shipment records before final payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: Can I get rid of asbestos myself?
While single-family homeowners can legally remove asbestos in some states, DIY removal is extremely dangerous and not advised.
Q2: Can you throw asbestos in a regular garbage can?
No. Disposing of asbestos in ordinary household trash is illegal under federal and state environmental laws.
Q3: What is the best way to get rid of asbestos floor tiles?
The safest and cheapest method is encapsulation: installing floating luxury vinyl plank or carpet directly over intact tiles.
Q4: How much does it cost to get rid of asbestos?
Standard residential removal projects cost between $1,500 and $4,500, depending on square footage and material friability.
Q5: Do I have to leave my house during asbestos removal?
For interior removal involving popcorn ceilings, attics, or heating ducts, vacating the house during work is strongly recommended.
Q6: Where does removed asbestos go?
Removed asbestos is double-bagged in 6-mil plastic and buried in state-permitted hazardous landfills in dedicated monofill cells.
Q7: How do I know my home is safe after removal?
An independent industrial hygienist conducts aggressive air clearance testing to confirm fiber counts fall below safety limits.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Knowing how do you get rid of asbestos safely requires weighing protective encapsulation against certified professional removal. When removal is necessary, engaging state-licensed contractors who deploy negative air machines, wet stripping, and documented landfill burial ensures complete protection for your home and family.