Asbestos Siding Disposal: How to Do It Safely and Legally

October 29, 2025

Don’t sand, cut, or break asbestos siding. Keep pieces wet, remove whole panels if allowed, double-bag or wrap as required, label as regulated asbestos-containing material, and take it only to an approved disposal site. In most places, a permit and a licensed contractor are required for removal and transport. Now let’s break it down.

At Anthony's Abatement, our licensed and insured asbestos abatement team handles asbestos siding disposal every week. Our technicians complete accredited training, follow strict state and EPA rules, and use professional equipment like HEPA vacuums, negative-air machines, and approved asbestos waste bags. We wrote this guide to give clear, simple steps you can trust, so you understand the safest way to handle asbestos siding and when to call a licensed asbestos contractor.

Understanding Asbestos in Siding

Why Asbestos Was Used in Siding Materials

For decades, asbestos fibers were mixed into cement siding to make it strong, fire-resistant, and durable. These "cement shingles" or "transite" panels were common on homes built from the 1920s through the 1980s. The material itself is tough, but when it's damaged, sawn, or drilled, fibers can be released.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos fibers are tiny and can lodge in the lungs when inhaled. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious diseases. The risk goes up when siding is made friable that means crumbly or easily crushed by scraping, cutting, or sanding. Keeping material intact and wet lowers fiber release risk.

How to Identify Asbestos-Containing Siding

Many fiber-cement shingles from older homes contain asbestos. Visual clues include rigid, slate-like shingles with a wood-grain or smooth face, nailed at the top, often 12" x 24". The only way to know for sure is asbestos inspection and lab testing. If you suspect asbestos, treat it as asbestos-containing material until confirmed.

Regulations Around Asbestos Disposal

Federal and State Requirements

Asbestos work is regulated. Rules cover asbestos removal, handling, packaging, hazardous waste disposal, and disposal site requirements. Federal standards set a baseline, and state or local laws add stricter steps. Always check your jurisdiction before starting.

Who Is Legally Allowed to Handle Asbestos

Many states require a licensed asbestos contractor for removal and asbestos waste transportation / disposal regulation compliance. Some allow homeowners to remove non-friable siding on their own property under strict conditions. Even then, training, PPE, and proper waste handling are still required.

Permits and Documentation Needed

You may need a notice or permit before removal, plus manifests showing where the waste went. Disposal sites require labeled, sealed packages and may request proof of origin and type (non-friable vs friable). Call ahead to confirm rules and hours.

Preparing for Asbestos Siding Removal

Inspection and Testing

Hire an accredited inspector or have a sample tested by a certified lab to confirm asbestos content and condition. This helps decide if the siding can be removed intact (non-friable) or if special abatement methods are required.

Choosing the Right PPE and Tools

Use disposable coveralls, gloves, eye protection, and a tight-fitting respirator with P100 filters. Have a hand sprayer with water and a small amount of surfactant (dish soap works) to keep materials damp. Use pry bars and hand tools, do not use power saws or sanders.

Setting Up a Controlled Work Area

Post warning signs, restrict access, and cover the ground with 6-mil plastic sheeting extending past the work zone. Close windows and doors nearby. Turn off outdoor fans that could blow dust. Plan a clean path to your staging area for waste packaging.

Safe Removal and Disposal Process

Step-by-Step Overview of the Removal Process

Wet the siding lightly so it’s damp, not dripping.
Remove whole panels pry carefully at nail lines to avoid breaking.
Lower, don’t drop hand panels down to a helper to keep them intact.
Stack flat on plastic in your staging area.
Do not scrape paint, drill, grind, or snap shingles, which can make them friable.

Proper Handling and Packaging of Waste

Keep all debris wet while working.
Wrap intact shingles in 6-mil plastic or place in approved asbestos waste bags.
Double-bag or double-wrap, seal with duct tape, and label as regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) as required.
Bag disposable PPE, wipes, and plastic sheeting too.
Clean tools with wet wipes, no dry sweeping or leaf blowers.

Transportation to Approved Disposal Sites

Only take asbestos waste to a landfill or transfer station allowed to accept it. Follow local state asbestos laws for hauling some areas require a licensed transporter or special manifest forms. Secure packages upright, prevent tearing, and deliver directly, no curbside pickup.

Why You Should Hire a Licensed Asbestos Contractor

Benefits of Professional Abatement Services

Pros control dust, manage permits, and handle asbestos handling and paperwork end-to-end. They use asbestos safety procedures, negative-pressure setups, and HEPA filtration to minimize risk. You get documentation for future buyers and insurance.

Cost vs. Risk of DIY Disposal

DIY can look cheaper, but costs add up: lab tests, PPE, tools, plastic, multiple dump fees, and your time. Mistakes, like breaking panels or using the wrong bags can trigger fines, extra cleanup, or health risks. A licensed asbestos contractor reduces those risks.

How to Choose a Certified Contractor

Look for current license and insurance, recent project references, clear scope, and a written plan covering containment, removal, packaging, proper disposal methods, and final cleaning. Ask how they keep siding non-friable and how they verify clearance.

Final Cleanup and Post-Removal Considerations

Decontaminating Tools and Clothing

Wipe tools with damp rags and bag the rags as asbestos waste. Never wash contaminated clothing with regular laundry, use disposable coveralls and bag them after use.

Air Monitoring and Clearance

After work, a professional may do air checks or visual clearance to confirm the area is clean. This is smart protection for your family and helpful documentation for future home sales.

Long-Term Property Safety

If you still have asbestos siding on other sections, keep it painted and intact. Avoid drilling or sanding. For future remodels, plan ahead so any work follows asbestos remediation best practices.

Ready to Cleanup Asbestos with Professionals?

Need help with asbestos siding disposal or have questions about rules in your area? Talk to Anthony's Abatement. Our licensed team can inspect, create a clear plan, and handle removal, packaging, and delivery to an approved site safely, legally, and with minimal disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally remove asbestos siding myself?

Laws vary by state. Some allow homeowners to remove non-friable asbestos siding on their own property, but strict rules apply: proper PPE, wet methods, approved packaging, licensed disposal sites, and sometimes advance notification. Many states require a licensed contractor for any asbestos work. Check your local regulations before starting—fines for improper disposal can reach thousands of dollars.
How much does professional asbestos siding removal cost?

Cost depends on square footage, accessibility, condition of the siding, and local labor rates. Expect to pay between $8–$15 per square foot for professional removal, including testing, containment, removal, packaging, disposal fees, and clearance documentation. While DIY seems cheaper upfront, hidden costs like permits, equipment rental, dump fees, and potential violations often make professional removal more cost-effective.
What happens if I accidentally break asbestos siding?

Stop work immediately. If you break a piece, don't panic—single exposure to intact asbestos siding carries low risk. Lightly mist the broken area with water, carefully place all pieces into a sealed bag, and clean the immediate area with wet rags (never sweep or vacuum). If multiple panels broke or the material crumbled, contact a licensed contractor to assess contamination and complete proper cleanup.
Can I throw asbestos siding in a regular dumpster?

Absolutely not. Asbestos is regulated hazardous waste and cannot go in household trash, standard dumpsters, or construction roll-offs. It must be double-bagged in 6-mil plastic or wrapped, labeled as RACM, and delivered to a landfill specifically permitted to accept asbestos waste. Illegal disposal carries steep fines and can contaminate your property.
How do I find an approved asbestos disposal facility near me?

Contact your state environmental agency or local health department for a list of licensed asbestos disposal sites. Not all landfills accept asbestos. Call ahead to confirm they take residential asbestos siding, ask about hours, fees (typically $50–$200 per load), required packaging, and whether they need advance notice or manifests. Some facilities require waste to arrive during specific time windows.