Asbestos Disposal

What is Asbestos and Why is it a Problem?
Asbestos is a mineral fibre that was used in thousands of building products until the 1990s. Valued because of its insulating, soundproofing and fire-resistant properties, it can be found throughout older homes and buildings in flooring, ceiling tiles, siding, drywall, roof shingles and much more. When left undisturbed it poses little risk, but if disturbed through damage, removal or renovation, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled. Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer and a range of serious lung related diseases. Plan ahead and protect yourself.

Have a Plan
Before undertaking any renovation or demolition, check whether a building or demolition permit is required. If so, you will need to complete a risk assessment, to create a plan for identifying and disposing of asbestos-containing material.

Get it Tested
Ensure that your project is done properly and safely. Hire a qualified professional to evaluate your home for the presence of asbestos or other hazardous materials. Check the Yellow Pages or internet, or give us a call for a list of companies that provide asbestos testing and removal in your area.

Reduce the Risk
It is highly recommended that you hire a qualified asbestos abatement contractor to undertake the safe removal of asbestos-containing material from your home. If you are undertaking the removal yourself, the use of suitable personal protective equipment is essential in controlling exposure.

Know what the hazards are. Learn how to protect yourself, your family and our landfill workers at www.thinkasbestos.ca

Asbestos Disposal Process

Unless properly tested and documented, any potential asbestos-containing materials from a building constructed prior to 1990 will be assumed to contain asbestos and must be disposed of in the following manner:

1. Asbestos must be properly contained. All asbestos-containing materials must be double-bagged in yellow 6-mil poly bags, taped shut and clearly marked as hazardous waste/asbestos fibres.
2. Call 48 hours ahead. Contact the RDKB landfill where you plan to take the asbestos-containing waste at least 48 hours in advance. This allows landfill staff to prepare a trench into which the material can be safely buried. Asbestos-containing materials are only accepted at the following RDKB landfill sites:

   McKelvey Creek Landfill (Trail)	250.364.9834
   Grand Forks Landfill	250.442.2734
   West Boundary Landfill (Greenwood)	250.442.2734

3. Arrive at your appointed time. Staff will direct you to where to place the bags. Tipping fees apply.

Potential Sources of Asbestos

Note: this is not a complete list. Asbestos can be found in thousands of building materials.

Tipping Fees

For the purposes of determining tipping fees, all asbestos-containing waste material brought to an RDKB landfill will be considered ‘friable’. A list of current tipping fees is available online at rdkb.com or from any RDKB landfill site.

Where to Get Bags

The RDKB will provide up to ten 6 mil poly bags for each homeowner who takes out a building permit for work involving the removal of asbestos-containing material. Stop by the RDKB office in Grand Forks or Trail to chat with a building inspector about your project.

Additional bags can be purchased at local building and safety supply stores. These bags MUST be yellow so that our workers can clearly identify them. 

All construction and demolition waste is subject to tipping fees. Please sort your materials before arriving at the landfill.

Plan ahead. Protect yourself. Learn more at www.thinkasbestos.ca.

Download a printable copy of the Asbestos Disposal Guidelines

Contaminated Soil Disposal

Plan First

Many residents create excess soils during building, excavation and landscaping projects. 

The Province of BC regulates the removal and disposal of contaminated soils. The RDKB’s Contaminated Soils Policy outlines the process for property owners and contractors to dispose of contaminated soils at any Regional District landfill.

If you intend to bring soils to the McKelvey Creek Landfill, contact the RDKB’s Environmental Services Department BEFORE you begin work. 

Within the THEP soil management area (see  map on right), soils can exceed provincial soil standards for metals due to historical emissions from Teck Trail Operations. All soil loads originating from this area must be tested prior to approval for disposal.  The Trail Area Health & Environment Program (THEP) can assist with the testing and approval process Tipping fees apply.

Sign up online at thep.ca and put “soil disposal” in the comments box.
*Soils originating outside the soil management area still requires that the owner contact the RDKB for direction on testing, analysis and approval prior to disposal. 

The Trail Area Health & Environment Program (THEP)

Get in touch with the THEP team direct (and in advance) to ensure activities in the THEP area are ‘lead-safe’:

• DIY home and yard renovations 
• Digging and moving dirt  
• Safe lead dust capture (e.g. from building roofs)
• Annual residential ground cover check
• Residential soil testing

Tel: (250) 368-3256, Email: programs@thep.ca, Address: 1319 Bay Ave, Trail, V1R 4R7, W: thep.ca (Newsletter, Services & Info)

Grand Forks & West Boundary 

If you intend to bring soil to the Grand Forks or West Boundary (Greenwood) landfills, you must contact the RDKB’s Environmental Services Department BEFORE you begin work. 

All soil loads ‘greater than a regular pickup truck’ (1.5 cubic metres) require that the owner contact the RDKB prior to arrival at the landfill. An assessment process will be completed to determine whether the materials can be accepted for disposal under the Provincial regulations. 

Tipping fees apply. 

For general information regarding soil disposal or to obtain an application for soil disposal, please email the RDKB’s General Manager of Environmental Services or call 250.368.9148.

 

Household Hazardous Waste

In the RDKB, the collection of household hazardous waste is managed by Product Care Recycling – an industry-led organization that provides free recycling locations for consumers and businesses.

There are several Product Care collection depots throughout the district, including at the West Boundary (Greenwood), Grand Forks and McKelvey Creek landfill sites. Not all depots accept all materials, so be sure to check the Product Care website to find the right depot location nearest you.

You can also pick up free leftover paint from many of Product Care’s recycling depot locations! Check their PaintShare program for more information and a location near you.