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Asbestos Landfill

An asbestos landfill is described as a waste landfill that has one or more areas designated for the disposal of asbestos-containing materials. An asbestos landfill is considered to be either active or inactive.

Active Asbestos Landfills

The operation and maintenance of an active asbestos landfill requires compliance with strict guidelines in order to avoid release of asbestos. Federal regulations mandate that there must not be any visible emissions from an active asbestos landfill. If there are emissions, landfill operators must cover the area with approximately six inches of compacted, non-asbestos containing materials at least once per day. In addition, a petroleum dust suppressor must be applied on top of the compacted materials in an effort to further prevent the release of asbestos fibers and dust.

If there is no barrier between an active asbestos landfill and areas where the general public may work or live, asbestos waste must be covered daily with compacted non-asbestos waste. Signs with a notification of asbestos-containing materials must be displayed prominently. Maps of the entire landfill area must be maintained, with the specific asbestos-containing waste sections marked. Records pertaining to the shipping of asbestos waste must also be maintained regularly.

Inactive Asbestos Landfills

An inactive asbestos landfill also must not emit any asbestos dust or fibers into the air. Much like an active asbestos landfill, if emissions are detected, the asbestos-containing waste must be covered with compacted, non-asbestos waste, followed by a dust suppressor.

Warning signs must also be displayed if there is no barrier between the asbestos waste and public areas.

Almost every U.S. state contains an asbestos landfill. Residents who live nearby an asbestos landfill may have concerns related to the inhalation of errant asbestos fibers and dust, as exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related ailments.

Last modified: December 09 2009.