Asbestos

Asbestos was used in building construction up until the year 2000. If asbestos materials are in good condition, and in a place where they are unlikely to be disturbed, then they should not cause any harm. It's only when the materials are damaged and releasing fibres that asbestos can become a danger.

The Health and Safety Executive website shows you:

  • where you can find asbestos
  • what asbestos looks like
  • why asbestos is dangerous
  • how to manage asbestos and arrange removal and when that needs to be by a specialist licensed contractor

The council do not carry out asbestos sampling, analysis, or removal.

There are different kinds of asbestos, with different levels of risk. Reputable tradespeople will be aware of the procedures they need to follow when working around asbestos.

How to find further advice

If you're a homeowner or business owner

Homeowners and businesses are responsible for managing asbestos and arranging the safe removal and disposal of it from their properties. If you need more advice we recommend you contact a specialist asbestos removal company.

If you're a tenant

If you're a Stockport Homes tenant, you can:

If you're a housing association tenant, you should contact your area officer.

If you're a private tenant, you should contact your landlord or agent.

Asbestos waste disposal

Anyone you employ to transport and dispose of asbestos waste must have an Upper Tier waste carriers licence. They must be prepared to provide you with a receipt saying what items they removed and how much they're charging.

You must take reasonable steps to make sure the waste will not be fly tipped and you may face a fine if you do not. That means you need to check they have an Upper Tier waste carriers licence and keep the receipt.

To check if they have a licence, you can look them up in the Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers.

You can also visit the Recycle for Greater Manchester website and search 'asbestos' to find out:

  • where you can dispose of household asbestos
  • where you can dispose of business waste