Asbestos Dumping

Slowly but surely, environmental regulations as it relates to asbestos is tightening up across the country. That means that both workers and the public will be better protected against asbestos exposure.

There is a flip side to the story, unfortunately – asbestos dumping.

A Case in Burnaby, BC
A recent case in British Columbia, illustrates the problem. The residents of a neighbourhood in Burnaby, a suburb of Vancouver, were furious to discover that someone had dumped several bags of asbestos contaminated waste in an alley way near Eton and Cambridge Streets.

The area’s residents contacted the city of Burnaby right away, and a hazardous materials team, along with the RCMP, came to the scene. Most of the bags were sealed, but one was open, and the contents were visible. The bags were blocking the alley in question.

Naturally, residents were concerned about kids inadvertently exposing themselves to asbestos. The problem goes beyond just that.

• Winds can make the asbestos particles airborne;
• From the alley, they could spread all over the neighbourhood.

In Metro Vancouver, any vermiculite insulation, blown-in insulation, and any acoustic ceiling tiles installed before 1990 must automatically go to the Vancouver Landfill, where it is assumed they contain asbestos waste. The only exception occurs when there is a certificate of analysis confirming that no asbestos is present in the material being dumped.

The RCMP are investigating the incident.

Know Your Contractor
When asbestos regulations are tightened, it is typically more expensive to process waste. That’s why unscrupulous and unlicensed operators take the cheap – and illegal – route of dumping.

• An experienced and licensed contractor is your assurance that asbestos containing waste will be contained and disposed of properly and legally.
• It protects employees, you and your family, and even your neighbours.

That’s Where GS Comes In
If you have asbestos or asbestos containing materials in your home, we can help. Our experienced and certified asbestos removal and asbestos remediation technicians can help keep you and your family safe. In the Toronto area call Environmental at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

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.