Vancouver Firm Fined $70K for Illegal Asbestos Storage

A Vancouver area firm recently received a stiff $70,000 fine after being found guilty of accepting and storing asbestos illegally.

In 2011, a municipal enforcement officer doing a routine check noticed plastic bags labeled “asbestos waste” at a recycling and waste facility run by a company called Mr. Bin Disposal. Some of the bags were open and others had rips and tears, with the material inside clearly visible. No one at the facility was using protective gear.

It’s important to keep asbestos and other hazardous materials out of regular municipal facilities such as the one operated by Mr. Disposal Bin under contract to the city. Once substances like asbestos are mixed with other waste materials, they can no longer be safely recycled.

The company pleaded guilty to three charges, resulting in the hefty fine.

Asbestos Is No Joke
It’s definitely not to be taken lightly. Its effects on human health have been well documented. Intact, it is considered safe but once it’s been damaged or deteriorates and produces inhalable (or ‘friable’) fibres, it can enter the lungs and cause serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma and other lung cancers. Just as a gauge of its seriousness, of all the occupational disease fatalities approved by the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in recent years, fully 85% involved asbestos.

At GreenStream Environmental Inc. we understand the importance of handling asbestos properly at all stages, including during removal or remediation procedures and afterwards when it comes time to dispose of the material.

All of our asbestos technicians are certified and experienced. They’ll look after their worksite – in your home or wherever it may be – the workers and your health too by treating it with care and using the proper procedures.

In Your Home Too?
At one time, asbestos was seen as the ‘miracle’ construction material; now it’s a lingering threat to public health – and it may be in your home too. If your home was built prior to the 1970’s, it almost certainly contains (or did contain prior to removal) asbestos in one form or another.

Knowing where it is is crucial information when it comes time for renovations in particular. Let us help. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.