How to dispose of asbestos
Asbestos waste doesn't go in household trash. It's normally kept wet, sealed in leak-tight, labeled heavy-duty plastic bags, and taken to a landfill that accepts asbestos. Many household hazardous waste drop-offs don't take it. Call the landfill before you go.
How it's packaged
- EPA's federal rule for regulated projects requires asbestos waste to be "sealed in a leak-tight container while wet, labeled, and disposed of properly in a landfill qualified to receive asbestos waste" (EPA).
- For homeowners hiring a contractor, EPA's checklist says the contractor should dispose of materials "in sealed, leak-proof, and labeled heavy-duty plastic bags" (EPA).
- Illinois EPA's advice for homeowners: leak-proof bags, placed in a cardboard box, taken to a permitted landfill.
Where it can go
Rules are set by states, and they differ:
| State | Where asbestos waste goes |
|---|---|
| California | Friable waste with 1% or more asbestos is hazardous waste. In the Bay Area, it must be hauled by a licensed hazardous waste transporter. |
| Florida | A permitted Class I or III landfill, arranged with the operator first. Not construction-debris landfills. |
| Illinois | A permitted landfill. |
| New York | Non-friable waste can go to a landfill if it isn't broken up or crushed. |
| Pennsylvania | Any municipal landfill for non-friable waste; only approved landfills for friable waste. |
| Texas | Friable waste only to authorized landfills, in sealed bags or six-mil plastic. Contact the landfill first. |
Details and sources are on each state page. For other states, ask your state asbestos office or local landfill.
Things that catch people out
- Don't put it in household trash or curbside pickup. It belongs in a landfill that accepts asbestos.
- Many household hazardous waste programs don't accept asbestos (California DTSC). Call first.
- Friable vs. non-friable matters. Crumbly material (friable) is usually more tightly regulated than solid tiles or siding.
- Hiring a contractor usually includes disposal. Ask for it in the quote, and ask for the disposal records.
Sources
- EPA: Asbestos NESHAP and Protect Your Family
- Illinois EPA; state sources on each state page
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. See our sources.