What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre used in many building materials before 1990. It is known to cause serious lung diseases and cancer. In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act defines an asbestos-containing material as any material that contains 0.5% or more asbestos by weight. If you are renovating or demolishing an older building, always assume materials contain asbestos until a lab test proves otherwise.
Where to dispose of asbestos
The City of Wrenford only accepts asbestos waste at the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility. The Northgate Drop-off Depot does not accept asbestos or special waste. You must have a valid Special Waste Disposal Permit before you bring asbestos to the landfill.
How to prepare and package asbestos
Your safety and the safety of our staff depend on proper packaging. Follow these steps before transporting asbestos:
- Wet the material thoroughly with water or a water and detergent mix before handling.
- Wrap the material in at least two layers of 6-mil thick polyethylene sheeting.
- Seal all seams, edges, and corners with strong duct tape or heavy-duty packing tape.
- Label each package clearly with "ASBESTOS" in red letters at least 50 millimetres high.
- Keep packages upright and secure them in your vehicle to prevent tearing or dust release.
Improperly packaged asbestos will be turned away, and you may face a surcharge or enforcement action under the waste management by-law.
Permits and testing
If you do not have the original packaging or a recent laboratory report for a material, you must have it tested by an accredited laboratory. A certificate of analysis is valid for 30 days. If the test confirms asbestos, you must package it as described above.
For residential projects, you can apply for a Special Waste Disposal Permit. Fill out the application form and email it to [email protected]. Please allow two business days for processing. Each separate location or project requires its own permit. Once approved, you must contact the facility to schedule a drop-off time at least 24 hours in advance.
Fees and drop-off hours
Asbestos disposal fees apply at the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility:
- $150.00 per load surcharge
- $85.00 per tonne
We accept cash, debit, Visa, and MasterCard. The facility is open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special waste, including asbestos, is accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tuesday to Friday. Do not bring asbestos on weekends or after noon.
Contact us
For questions about asbestos disposal, testing, or permits, contact Ben Achterberg, Waste Programs Supervisor, at [email protected] or call 519-555-0128.