Covid-19
It’s never too late – get your first, second or booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at local walk-in clinics.
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals made up of heat-resistant fibers.
Asbestos fibres are strong and resistant to heat and chemicals. This has led to their use in a wide range of building materials and products, often as fireproofing.
When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air. These can be breathed deep into the lungs. Once there, they may stay for a long time and cause possible damage. When very high levels of these fibres are inhaled, there is a risk of lung diseases, including cancer.
Asbestos is found in many types of buildings. It was widely used from 1930 to around 1980, particularly from the 1960s onwards.
It is unlikely to be found in buildings constructed after 1982. It has been used for fire protection, and heat and sound insulation.
When carrying out DIY work, avoid sanding or drilling materials, which might contain asbestos.
Equipment used up to the 1980s may contain asbestos, such as:
The City of London Corporation runs a free collection service for small amounts of domestic asbestos. Call 020 7332 3433.
If you have asbestos in your home, amounts under 50kg (1cwt) or 3 sheets 8 x 4 approximately can be collected for free. Call the Hazardous Waste Collection Service on 020 7332 3433. Please note this does not include dismantling.
If you're not sure if a material in your home is asbestos, contact the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) on 01283 531126. They can provide details or recognised and registered analytical companies who can help. In addition, ARCA has a list of licensed contractors for the safe removal of asbestos.
For the disposal of other hazardous substances, call 020 7332 3433.
To find out about other hazardous waste collections such as chemicals, petrol, paint strippers, see our hazardous waste page.
If you live in social housing and are planning home improvements, like repairs, alterations, decorations, you should tell us first.
When you get in touch, we can check our records to see if there's a risk that you might disturb asbestos.
Remember, you need our written permission before doing any alterations or improvements.
If you'd like to see records of previous asbestos removal, please contact us:
Email propertyservices@walthamforest.gov.uk
Phone 0208 496 4096.