Asbestos, due to its indestructible nature, presents significant challenges for disposal. Being flame-retardant, non-combustible, and highly resistant to corrosion, Asbestos waste is typically handled through secure packaging and burial in specially designed landfills, ideally adhering to international best practices. Once deposited, the waste must remain undisturbed indefinitely, ensuring it is never repurposed or reused. In this blog, we will explore some of the key challenges associated with Asbestos waste disposal and discuss the most effective strategies to manage this ongoing issue.
Asbestos fibers begin to lose their fibrous structure and undergo chemical and physical changes at temperatures above 1,000°C to 1,200°C (1,832°F to 2,192°F), a process known as thermal decomposition. During this process, the fibers vitrify, melting into glass-like structures. However, applying such extreme heat is both costly and environmentally harmful, making it an impractical option. Similarly, trying to destroy Asbestos with chemicals is difficult because of its durability and resistance to most chemicals. Although chemical treatments, such as acid treatment or alkaline hydrolysis, can alter the physical properties of Asbestos, completely breaking it down using chemicals remains a complex and expensive process. Experimental techniques like mechanical milling, electrochemical decomposition, and biological degradation have shown potential in laboratory settings but are not commercially viable on a large scale.
When it comes to Asbestos disposal, the most common approach worldwide is the safe removal and burial of Asbestos in regulated landfills. However, this solution poses several challenges for governments and environmental authorities.
1. Environmental Risks
Land Contamination: If there is a leak or packaging failure, Asbestos fibres could contaminate surrounding soil, posing a long-term risk to ecosystems and potentially requiring expensive remediation efforts.
Groundwater Contamination: While Asbestos fibres are not highly soluble in water, improper landfill management or packaging failure could result in Asbestos particles being washed into groundwater, which could create environmental risks, especially in areas near agricultural or residential developments.
2. Health and Safety Concerns
Future Disturbances: Even when Asbestos is safely landfilled, future land use (e.g., construction, excavation, or natural disasters like earthquakes) could disturb Asbestos waste, potentially releasing harmful fibres into the environment. This poses significant risks to workers and nearby communities.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Governments must ensure ongoing monitoring and maintenance of Asbestos landfills to keep containment intact. This includes regular inspections and potentially re-packaging Asbestos if deterioration is detected, requiring significant long-term resources and oversight.
3. Limited Landfill Capacity
Space Constraints: Landfilling Asbestos requires dedicated hazardous waste sites, which are often limited in number. Dedicating substantial portions of these landfills to Asbestos can reduce capacity for other hazardous or non-hazardous waste.
Waste Accumulation: Asbestos is non-biodegradable, meaning once it is buried, it stays there indefinitely. Over time, this accumulation consumes valuable landfill space that could be used for other types of waste.
4. Financial and Economic Costs
High Costs of Safe Disposal: Safe packaging, transport, and disposal of Asbestos are expensive. Governments or companies need to invest in appropriate containment, labelling, transportation, and specialized landfill sites. These costs are ongoing due to the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance.
Liability and Remediation Costs: If Asbestos waste escapes from landfills due to packaging failure or environmental factors, governments may face significant remediation expenses. Legal liability is also a concern if nearby communities or workers are exposed to Asbestos fibres due to mismanagement.
5. Regulatory and Logistical Challenges
Regulation Compliance: Governments must establish and enforce strict regulations for Asbestos disposal. This includes monitoring hazardous waste transport, ensuring proper landfill design, and conducting regular site inspections. Failure to comply or lapses in enforcement could lead to environmental or public health crises.
Long-Term Responsibility: Asbestos can remain hazardous for decades or centuries, placing a long-term burden on governments to manage these landfill sites for generations, often with limited immediate benefits.
6. Public Opposition and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) Syndrome
Community Resistance: Local populations often oppose the establishment or expansion of hazardous waste landfills, particularly for Asbestos, due to concerns over contamination and health risks. Public opposition can delay or prevent new landfill sites from being approved, complicating disposal efforts.
Perceived Risks: Even when Asbestos is securely packaged and buried, public fear and stigma surrounding the material can lead to protests, legal challenges, or pressure to close or relocate landfills.
7. Environmental Justice Concerns
Disproportionate Impact: Hazardous waste landfills, including those for Asbestos, are often located in lower-income or marginalized communities, raising environmental justice issues. These communities face higher risks of exposure to hazardous waste and often lack the political power to resist the siting of such landfills near their homes.
8. International Concerns and Exportation Issues
Exporting Asbestos Waste: Some countries export their Asbestos waste to nations with fewer regulations or more landfill capacity. This can create international tensions, particularly if Asbestos waste is being sent to less-developed countries, raising ethical concerns about fairness in hazardous waste management.
Although not an ideal solution, Asbestos waste will likely continue to be buried in landfills for the foreseeable future. Given this reality, it is essential to consider the following when designing, operating, and managing an Asbestos waste disposal site:
Building and Operating an Asbestos Waste Landfill
Construction of an Asbestos waste landfill in the Middle East
1. Asbestos Landfill Construction
Location and Design Considerations: The landfill should be situated away from populated areas, sensitive ecosystems, and groundwater sources. It’s also important to choose a location with a low risk of seismic activity or flooding to minimize environmental and safety risks.
Dedicated Cells: Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) must be disposed of in dedicated landfill cells designed specifically for hazardous waste. These cells need to be clearly marked and separated from other types of waste to avoid cross-contamination.
Liner Systems:
A multilayer liner system is crucial to prevent Asbestos fibres from leaching into the environment, especially groundwater.
Primary Liner: Typically, an impermeable High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner (1.5 to 2.0 mm thick) is used as the main barrier.
Secondary Liner: Beneath the primary liner, a secondary clay or bentonite liner (1-2 meters thick) should be installed to provide additional protection in case the HDPE layer fails.
Leachate Collection System: Above the liner, a leachate collection system (often consisting of perforated pipes surrounded by gravel) is needed to collect and remove any liquid that might filter through the waste.
Covering System:
Daily Cover: Asbestos waste should be covered daily with a layer of soil or inert material to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
Final Cover: Once the landfill cell is full, a permanent cover made of clay or another impermeable material should be applied, followed by a top layer of soil and vegetation to prevent erosion.
Ventilation and Drainage:
Gas Venting: While Asbestos itself does not produce gas, if the landfill contains other waste materials, a venting system is required to prevent harmful gas buildup.
Surface Water and Runoff Control: Proper drainage systems are essential to manage stormwater and prevent erosion of the landfill’s surface, ensuring the integrity of the cover and preventing water infiltration.
2. Materials Used for Asbestos Landfills
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Utilized for the primary liner due to its resistance to chemicals and impermeability, preventing Asbestos fibres from escaping.
Compacted Clay or Bentonite: Used as a secondary liner to provide a thick, impermeable barrier beneath the primary liner, reducing the risk of leakage.
Soil or Sand: Applied as a daily cover material and used for the final capping system to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
Gravel or Drainage Material: Employed in the leachate collection system to facilitate proper drainage and prevent the accumulation of liquids.
Vegetation: Added on top of the final cover to stabilize the soil, minimize erosion, and maintain the integrity of the landfill.
3. Regulation and Oversight
Who Should Regulate Asbestos Landfills?
National Environmental Protection Agencies: In most countries, the regulation of hazardous waste disposal, including Asbestos, falls under national environmental agencies (e.g., the EPA in the U.S., the Environment Agency in the UK). These bodies set and enforce regulations related to landfill design, construction, and operations.
Local Authorities: Regional or local authorities may also be involved in granting site-specific approvals, conducting inspections, and monitoring landfill operations.
Occupational Health and Safety Agencies: These agencies ensure that proper safety protocols are followed by workers who handle Asbestos at the landfill.
Key Regulatory Aspects:
Permitting: The landfill operator must obtain necessary permits from environmental authorities, demonstrating compliance with hazardous waste regulations.
Inspections: Regular inspections ensure that Asbestos landfills adhere to safety standards and that Asbestos waste is handled and stored properly.
Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of groundwater, air quality, and the landfill’s structural integrity is essential to detect any leaks or release of Asbestos fibres.
4. Preparing Asbestos Waste for Disposal
Packaging Requirements:
Double Bagging: Asbestos waste must be sealed in double-layered, heavy-duty plastic bags (typically 200 microns thick), or placed in specially designed containers to prevent accidental release of fibres.
Labelling: Each container or bag must be clearly labelled with appropriate hazard warnings, such as "Danger – Contains Asbestos Fibers – Avoid Creating Dust," in accordance with national and international regulations. Multiple languages may be required depending on the country.
Wetting the Asbestos: Before packaging, Asbestos should be sprayed with water or a wetting agent to minimize the risk of fibres becoming airborne during handling. This is particularly important for friable Asbestos, which is more likely to release fibres.
Transport to the Landfill:
Licensed Transporters: Only licensed hazardous waste transporters should handle Asbestos, and the waste should be transported in sealed, airtight containers. Vehicles should also be lined to prevent contamination.
Tracking and Documentation: A waste manifest or tracking document should accompany the Asbestos shipment from removal to landfill, ensuring a documented chain of custody.
5. Unloading Asbestos Waste at the Landfill
Safety Measures:
Trained Workers: Only workers trained in Asbestos handling should be involved in unloading the waste. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection, is essential.
Controlled Area: The unloading area should be isolated to prevent exposure to other workers. Proper signage and barriers should restrict access.
Unloading Procedure:
Minimizing Fiber Release: Asbestos waste should be carefully unloaded into the designated cell without damaging the packaging. If bags are punctured, they must be re-wrapped immediately.
Covering: Once the waste is unloaded, it should be covered immediately with soil or other inert material to prevent airborne fibres. A final cover will be applied at the end of each working day.
Conclusion
The safe construction and operation of an Asbestos landfill require careful planning and specialized infrastructure, including impermeable liners, leachate collection systems, and appropriate daily coverings. Governments and regulatory bodies must play a central role in overseeing these sites, issuing permits, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Proper packaging, transport, and unloading procedures are essential to minimize the risk of Asbestos fibre release and protect workers, communities, and the environment.
If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:
Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)
Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com