Protecting yourself from a dangerous and deadly health threat
Many buildings constructed before 1980 contain asbestos — a naturally occurring mineral used in everything from insulation and roofing to ceiling tiles, flooring, paint and adhesives between the 1940s and 1970s. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When breathed in, they settle in the lungs. Over time, these fibers can cause scarring and inflammation, as well as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Use of asbestos in the United States was essentially halted in the late 1970s, but because it was used in so many materials, it still exists today. So when remodeling or demolition work is done in a home or building containing asbestos, the microscopic fibers can become airborne and pose a health danger to anyone around.
Transfer Station specifics related to asbestos disposal
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has very specific rules regarding the handling and disposal of materials containing asbestos. DEQ also requires an asbestos survey be performed by an accredited inspector to determine the asbestos in or on a structure prior to any demolition activities.
All demolition debris coming to our Transfer Station or landfill for disposal MUST be accompanied with an Asbestos Survey from a certified asbestos abatement company. The paperwork is required regardless of what year the structure was built — unless what you’re disposing of is solely bare wood, bare metal, glass and/or household garbage.
Download complete requirements, as well as fact sheets for residential homeowners and building owners/operators.
Proper packaging for surveyed materials containing asbestos
Any materials containing asbestos (either classified as “friable” or “non-friable”) must be adequately wetted and placed within properly labeled, airtight bags or containers approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). In order for the materials to be placed into plastic bags, the bags must have an inner and outer bag — with both bags sealed separately. In addition, the bags must have a minimum 6 mil thickness. The containers, when full, cannot weigh more than:
- Sealed double bags: 40 pounds
- Sealed cardboard boxes: 65 pounds
All bags and containers must be labeled with the required warning that they contain asbestos-laden materials. Each label must include:
- Asbestos warning
- Name of generator
- Location from where the material was removed
- Asbestos removal contractor’s name and address
For small quantities of asbestos, a pre-paid double bag set is available at our Transfer Station office — 8001 Table Rock Road in White City. The cost is $15.90 per set, which includes the cost of disposal. You can use any sturdy cardboard box, but it must be lined as described above.
Please note that the bags or containers will not be accepted for disposal if there are any holes, tears, ruptures, punctures or other failures that compromise the integrity of the bag or container. Improperly sealed bags or containers will not be accepted.
Landfill specifics related to asbestos disposal
Materials containing asbestos are only accepted at the Dry Creek Landfill, and you must notify the landfill 24 hours in advance if you will be hauling materials containing asbestos.
Dry Creek Landfill
5500 Highway 140
White City, Oregon
Wednesdays only from 7:30 am to 11 am
For questions regarding asbestos disposal, call our Main Office at 541.779.4161
To schedule your appointment at the landfill, call 541.826.4949
For More Information
- For more information on asbestos from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Click Here
- Download a printable sheet listing asbestos disposal procedures, including the ASN 4 Form.