The first thing to know about asbestos disposal is that you should not do it yourself. Asbestos is a hazardous material with extremely fine fibers that can remain floating in the air for hours. If handled without care, it can cause serious chronic diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer — diseases that lead to long-term economic, social, and emotional problems.
Material containing asbestos was the roofing product of choice in Kenya through the 1970s. It has since been declared a hazardous material, and any material containing asbestos must not be reused, recovered, or recycled. In 2016, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) issued a directive requiring all worn-out or damaged asbestos roofs to be removed and disposed of at a NEMA-licensed asbestos disposal landfill — the safest and only approved way to dispose of asbestos.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found?
Asbestos disposal requires a trained professional who is licensed to handle hazardous material. It is an irony that, given its health effects, asbestos was so commonly used in places like:
- Downpipes and gutters
- The roof
- Ceilings and floors
- Flooring adhesives
- Carpet underlay
- Electrical casings
Asbestos is classified as a hazardous material in Kenya under the Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Dumping it at a local tip is dangerous — its fine particles stay suspended in the air for a long time and are carcinogenic, putting people living nearby at risk. Careless disposal of asbestos can result in jail time or a fine.
Can I Take Asbestos to the Local Dump in Kenya?
No. NEMA has established licensed asbestos disposal sites across Kenya, and dumping asbestos at an ordinary local dump is a punishable offense. This rule exists to protect the public from asbestos-related health effects. You must have written permission from NEMA to remove, transport, store, and dispose of asbestos — moving or storing it yourself is risky, and NEMA does not recommend re-using asbestos in any structure.
Licensed asbestos disposal companies in Kenya have trained professionals who can handle asbestos without exposing you or your family to its health effects. Instead of dumping asbestos at a local dump, call and inquire about a licensed removal service. These services are chargeable — free asbestos disposal does not exist, since training and licensing professionals is expensive.
How Do You Dispose of a Small Amount of Asbestos?
No matter how small the amount, asbestos must only be disposed of at a licensed asbestos disposal site with the help of a professional. Even a few asbestos iron sheets are still dangerous, however small the quantity. You can search for an asbestos disposal site near you, but you cannot transport it there yourself — you must have the necessary papers approved by a body like NEMA before transporting asbestos to a disposal site.
Handling asbestos by yourself is not recommended, as you can cause health problems for yourself and others. To stop fine particles from rising into the air, you can carefully wet asbestos until a professional arrives to collect it. Even in small amounts, attempting to dispose of asbestos yourself is illegal and can result in prosecution.
Can I Bury Asbestos on My Property?
Burying asbestos on your property carries even greater risk than other DIY methods, because you are effectively storing it. Years later, someone may disturb that piece of land and come into contact with the asbestos, which is highly carcinogenic. Buried asbestos will also contaminate the surrounding soil, and anything grown there should be considered unsafe.
Burying asbestos in your backyard may seem like a cheaper way to get rid of it, but it is not recommended — call a licensed asbestos disposal company instead. Burying asbestos also depreciates your land’s value, since no one wants to buy a contaminated piece of land.
How Do You Bag Up Asbestos?
Before a licensed professional arrives to collect the material, you can start bagging it up so it is ready for pickup. Assess the risk first and keep the following in mind:
- Bonded asbestos is more hazardous once damaged. If a piece is too big to fit in the bag, stop and wait for the professional — do not try to break it.
- Fine asbestos particles easily become airborne, so keep family members and pets away while bagging.
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before you begin, since you will be in direct contact with the asbestos.
- Dampen the asbestos and the surrounding area so fine particles do not become loose.
- Place the asbestos carefully into a black bag without damaging it, and seal it — do not overfill the bag.
- Together with your PPE, place the black bag inside a clear bag and seal it properly.
- Seal the clear bag and set it aside while you wait for the professional.
What Color Are Asbestos Waste Bags?
Asbestos waste bags are unique and must meet certain criteria before they can carry asbestos. Two kinds of bags are required to properly dispose of asbestos: a black bag and a clear outer bag, both made of plastic and available in multiple sizes. They must carry a warning label stating: “Danger: Contains Asbestos Fibers. Avoid Creating Dust. Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard.”
If you are safely removing and disposing of asbestos, always use the specific asbestos waste bag — not an ordinary polythene bag. These specialised bags reduce asbestos exposure to you and your family through exceptional seal strength, and they are tear- and puncture-resistant. Always dampen the asbestos before placing it in the bag.
Conclusion
Asbestos disposal should only ever be carried out by trained and licensed professionals. Asbestos is a dangerous material whose use has since been discontinued worldwide — it contains fine fibers that, once released, can float in the air for long periods, and if inhaled can cause cancer and lung disease. It should always be handled with care and disposed of only at a licensed asbestos disposal site. NEMA has set clear guidelines on handling asbestos, and anyone who disregards them risks prosecution.
Steen Agencies is a licensed asbestos removal and disposal company serving Mombasa and the wider Coast region, with a NEMA-approved disposal site in Kilifi County, Kaloleni Subcounty. If you have asbestos roofing, sheets, or debris that needs to be safely removed and disposed of, get in touch with our team today.