How & Where to Recycle Specific Materials

Asbestos

Background Information: Asbestos is a fibrous material that is found in hundreds of products because it is fire resistant and insulates well.  Known and used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, it's popularity peaked in the United States from 1940 - 1975 when it was used in numerous home products such as roofing shingles, blown-in insulation, insulation on heating ducts and boiler pipes, siding and floor tiles.

However, because asbestos fibers are known to cause cancer, asbestos use in the country has steeply declined.  Many businesses and governments have removed asbestos from their buildings to reduce liability, and many realtors advise home owners to do likewise.

Testing for Asbestos: If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home, the only way you can know for sure is to have the material tested.  However, you may wish to first talk with a Certified Asbestos Supervisor in the Eau Claire City/County Health Department by calling 839-4718 and asking for either Mike Jensen, Dave Kragness or Tate Zurbuchen.  If they advise that there is a possibility your material contains asbestos, then they will direct you to the Wisconsin Occupational Health Lab in Madison at 1-800-446-0403.  The lab will instruct you on collecting the sample and how to send it to them.  A normal sample costs $25.00 and it takes up to ten (10) days to get the results.  Quicker results can be obtained for an additional fee.

Disposing of Asbestos: If you have material that contains asbestos, it can be disposed of at Veolia Seven Mile Creek Landfill on County Highway Q in the Town of Seymour.  You must call the landfill at 830-0284 at least 24 hours in advance of bringing it.  As of August, 2006, the charges for landfilling asbestos are as follows:

        Profile fee:                           $60.00                                                             

        Environmental fee:                  $3.00

        Disposal fee:                          $25.00 per cubic yard

        Tax:                                        $5.29 per ton

Want More Information?  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has extensive information on their website at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/reg/asbestos/

This website also includes a color diagram showing the most common areas where asbestos might be found in a typical home: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/reg/asbestos/AsbestosColor.pdf