What requirements apply to asbestos?

Transportation of asbestos containing material (referred to as ACM) and most other demolition materials is regulated under s. NR 502.06, Wis. Adm. Code. In general, a Solid Waste Transportation License from the DNR Waste Management Program is required. Homeowners can transport small amounts of their own ACM or other wastes without a Solid Waste Transportation License.

Special requirements that apply to disposal of ACM are listed in s. NR 506.10, Wis. Adm. Code. In all cases, ACM must be properly packaged and transportation must be to a landfill approved to accept the waste, or to an approved storage facility. A list of licensed landfills located in Wisconsin is available at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/wm/solid/landfill/licensed.asp. It's a good idea to contact the landfill to ensure the ACM can be accepted.

How ACM should be managed, including removal procedures, packaging for transport, and disposal requirements, depends on the specific type of ACM and how easily asbestos fibers can be released from the material. Types of ACM are defined as category 1 nonfriable, category II nonfriable, and friable, in ss. NR 447.02 (1)(a), (1)(b), and (16), Wis. Adm. Code, respectively, and include materials that contain 1% or more asbestos.

Necessary ACM removal procedures also depend on the type of building the ACM is being removed from. In all cases, friable ACM should be wetted prior to removal and immediately placed in a leak-tight bag, and there should be no visible emission of dust or other particulates in the air at any time. Many other requirements apply, described further in the information referenced below.

DNR, Waste and Materials Management Program, regulates ACM storage, transportation and disposal. Asbestos removal projects are regulated by DNR, Air Managment Program, and DHFS, Asbestos and Lead Section. In particular, DHFS regulates asbestos removal (abatement) contractors. A homeowner that removes asbestos from their residence is not required to be certified, but this is generally not recommended due to the hazardous nature of asbestos. More information is available at the following Web sites:

Last Revised: Wednesday May 09 2007