Northumberland County Council operates a collection service for certain types and quantities of hazardous household waste. The service is provided because householders cannot deposit types of hazardous household waste such as asbestos and hazardous garden chemicals at Household Waste Recovery Centres or put them with their normal refuse. A limit is placed on the amount of waste that is collected as part of this service.

The collection service operates monthly and is available to householders who appropriately package the waste to comply with Health & Safety requirements. If you would like to seek advice on how to dispose of household waste which you believe may be hazardous, please contact Northumberland County Council on 01670 533000 for more information.

How much does this service cost?

The service is free of charge if the amount of Hazardous Waste you have is below the collection limit.

What is the collection limit?

The limit for Cement Bound Asbestos is 10 to 12 standard sheets (6 feet x 2.5 feet). This is approximately one side of an outhouse/shed/garage. If the asbestos has been broken up then please contact us and we will calculate the area and advise if you are within the limit or not.

There is no limit for garden or other chemicals from your household.

How do I prepare the hazardous waste for collection?

Cement bound asbestos sheets should be wrapped in plastic sheeting and taped up, this is for Health and Safety reasons to protect the contractors in the event of the sheets breaking up. The sheets do not have to be wrapped individually but the stack must not be too heavy for two men to lift. Broken pieces of cement bound asbestos should be double bagged and sealed.

The plastic sheeting can be purchased for very little cost from any good DIY/Builders Merchant.

The bags used for double bagging can again be purchased from any good DIY/Builders Merchant.

What do I do if I'm over the limit?

If the amount of cement bound asbestos you have exceeds the limit of 10 to 12 standard sheets (6 feet x 2.5 feet), you are advised to hire a skip at your own expense from companies with the appropriate licences for carrying/disposing of hazardous materials. 

Below are contact details of a few companies that can provide this service for you.