Asbestos in Old Scottish Properties — What You Can and Can't Remove Yourself
In This Article
Where Asbestos Is Found
Any Scottish property built before 2000 could contain asbestos: Artex ceilings (pre-1985), vinyl floor tiles (9-inch squares from the 60s/70s), pipe lagging, corrugated roofing sheets, soffit boards, water tank insulation, and fuse box backings.
What You CAN Remove
Homeowners can remove small quantities of lower-risk materials: cement roofing sheets from a small shed, cement downpipes, undamaged floor tiles. Wet the material, avoid breaking it, double-bag in polythene, label as asbestos, take to a council centre that accepts it.
What You CANNOT Remove
Licensed contractor only: sprayed asbestos coatings, loose-fill insulation, damaged insulation board, pipe lagging, any asbestos in commercial properties.
Legal Requirements
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 applies. Asbestos waste needs licensed disposal sites and Waste Consignment Notes. Refurbishment/demolition of pre-2000 properties requires an R&D survey.
Removal Costs
| Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| Survey | £150–£400 |
| Garage roof (cement sheets) | £400–£800 |
| Pipe lagging (licensed) | £500–£2,000+ |
How We Can Help
We are NOT a licensed asbestos contractor. We clear all non-hazardous waste alongside asbestos contractors. Call 0141 280 6130 and we can recommend trusted asbestos surveyors.
