Asbestos Cement

Asbestos was widely used for the construction of buildings, building materials, and household products. There are three main types of asbestos – blue, brown, and white.

The most common asbestos found around the home is known as ‘bonded asbestos’ or ‘asbestos cement’, this is where asbestos was mixed with another material like cement to make the product stronger.

What you should do if you think you have asbestos or an asbestos product

If you are about to carry out building works or DIY in your home, and you think that you may have asbestos you should get advice first.

We have produced a leaflet called ‘Asbestos around the home’ which is available to view or download from the documents below. This provides information about the most common products that asbestos cement is found in. It also provides advice about what to do if you have found asbestos cement, how to deal with it safely, and how to arrange proper disposal.

Essex County council will collect up to 40 kg of bonded asbestos (asbestos cement) from peoples homes free of charge. For more advice please follow the link to their website below, or call their Waste & Recycling Helpline on 0845 603 7625.

You can also get details of specialist companies from the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), please follow the link to their website below.

Your local copy of the ‘Yellow Pages’ contains lists of specialist asbestos companies who can arrange for safe removal and disposal of asbestos. You are advised to get quotes first as the cost can vary.

The Health and Safety Executive has produced a range of advice booklets, and information including photos of different types of asbestos, to find out more, please follow the link to their website below.

Do not fly tip your waste. This is illegal and the penalties are high.

If you require any further advice you may contact us by phone on 01702 318111 and ask for the Environmental Protection Unit, or e-mail customerservices@rochford.gov.uk