To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) the required processes and costs associated with the removal and disposal of asbestos in privately owned buildings; and (ii) any plans he has for reducing these costs.

The required processes associated with the removal of asbestos from privately owned properties are the responsibility of the Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI), the independent body responsible for health and safety policy and the enforcement of health and safety law in Northern Ireland.

HSENI strongly encourages the use of trained professionals for removing and disposal of asbestos containing materials (ACM). This is especially the case if the ACM is a higher risk material such as asbestos insulation board (AIB), ceiling tiles or thermal insulation, as these materials contain a higher percentage of asbestos and readily release carcinogenic fibres to the atmosphere if disturbed or damaged. Any handling or removal of ACMs requires the right personal protective equipment to be worn and safe working methods followed, to prevent fibres from becoming airborne and being inhaled.

In the event that asbestos is being removed by a contractor or other person for gain, then they must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulation (NI) 2012.

Asbestos containing materials are classified as ‘Hazardous Waste’ and must not be disposed with household waste. The material should be double wrapped in labelled polythene sacks or sheeting before they are transported for disposal at a licensed waste disposal site.

Where asbestos waste is produced by the householder, or by someone acting on behalf of the householder, and not for gain, the householder may either:

Employ a licensed waste carrier or a licensed asbestos contractor (as long as he is also a licensed waste carrier) to arrange disposal on their behalf to a suitably licensed site. A statutory hazardous waste tracking document called a consignment note with a unique serial number purchased from NIEA must be obtained by the carrier/contractor in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 and must accompany the movement of the asbestos material to the licenced disposal site. The carrier/contractor must leave a copy of the consignment note with the householder; or

The Householder may bring the ACM to the licensed site themselves. The householder will need to contact the site in advance of travelling to find out whether any specific conditions apply. A private householder does not require a waste carrier’s license nor a consignment note.

Where asbestos waste is produced by a contractor (plumber, joiner, builder or other party acting for gain) they are responsible for disposing of the waste. If they are

taking the waste themselves to a licenced site then they must hold a waste carrier’s license (issued by NIEA) and use a consignment note. The asbestos can only be taken to a site specifically licensed to accept it. Alternatively, the contractor can employ another contractor who is licensed to carry and dispose of such waste.

Regarding costs associated with the removal and disposal of asbestos from privately owned buildings, the Department (NIEA) charges a fee of £24 for the supply of each serial consignment number to consignors of hazardous waste for use on the consignment note that tracks the waste movement. This fee has not been increased since it was inaugurated in 1998. All other costs associated with the removal and disposal of asbestos, i.e. contractor labour costs incurred in dismantling/removal and packaging the asbestos, carriage costs and waste transfer station/landfill site charges are set on a commercial basis by the waste industry. I can advise that I have no plans to reduce the fee for the supply of serial consignment numbers to the consignors of hazardous waste materials (e.g. ACM).