Question: I'm taking up a tile floor and need to dispose of it. I'm not sure if it's asbestos tile or not. How and where can I dispose of it?
Answer: There are two kinds of asbestos: friable, which is any asbestos-containing material that when dry can be easily crumbled or pulverized to powder by hand. Some examples are acoustic ceilings and tile, some types of plasters, wallboard, joint compound and thermal insulation for water heater and pipes. Use of asbestos in these products was banned in 1978 but many of these items are still commonly found in homes today.
Non-friable asbestos contains a hardening agent such as cement, asphalt or vinyl and is found in asphalt roofing shingles and vinyl asbestos floor tiles. It may pose similar hazards as friable asbestos as when crushed it can disperse microscopic fibers in the air.
Because there is no known safe level of exposure, disposal of asbestos remains a concern. If you're not sure whether your tile might contain friable asbestos you can consult a licensed asbestos expert to take samples for analysis. If it is found you may want to hire a licensed asbestos contractor to remove the material legally and safely.
Non-friable asbestos may be disposed of at the Larimer County Landfill, however, an asbestos manifest will need to be filled out either before arriving or upon arrival. To obtain a copy of the form, go to larimer.org/solidwaste/asbestos.pdf.
Friable asbestos can be disposed of at only five landfills authorized to accept these wastes: Denver-Arapahoe Disposal Site in Aurora (303-690-4303); Conservation Services Inc, Bennett (303-280-9336); Tower Landfill, Commerce City (303-371-5115); Milner Landfill in Routt County and Mesa County Landfill near Grand Junction.
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