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Asbestos

Hazardous material

Don't handle, cut, sand, or remove suspected asbestos material yourself, especially if it's damaged or a renovation will disturb it. Undisturbed, intact asbestos is often safest left in place, per the EPA. When removal is needed, hire a state-licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Some household hazardous waste facilities, like LA's Gaffey Street S.A.F.E. Center, accept small residential quantities, but only after it's already been professionally abated, wetted, and double-bagged.

Curbside recycling?

No

Never place asbestos material, wetted/bagged or not, in curbside trash or recycling. It needs a licensed abatement contractor and, from there, an EPA-approved landfill with a designated asbestos cell, or a household hazardous waste facility that explicitly accepts small pre-abated residential quantities.

Safety note

Inhaling asbestos fibers, especially from disturbed or 'friable' material that crumbles easily, is a serious long-term health hazard linked to lung disease and mesothelioma. Never dry-sand, cut, break, or vacuum suspected asbestos material yourself.

How to prepare it

  • If the material is intact and undisturbed, the EPA's general position is it's often safest left in place rather than removed unnecessarily
  • If it must come out (damaged, or a planned renovation will disturb it), hire a state-licensed asbestos abatement contractor, don't attempt removal yourself
  • Once it's been professionally abated, wetted, and double-bagged in clearly labeled plastic, check whether a local household hazardous waste facility accepts small residential quantities, like Gaffey Street in LA

Common fees

Varies significantly by contractor. Municipal facilities that accept small pre-abated quantities, like Gaffey Street, do so for free for residents.

Quantity limits

Not confirmed

Residency restrictions

Not confirmed

Appointment required?

Not confirmed

Transporting it safely

Must already be wetted and double-bagged in clearly labeled plastic bags by the abatement contractor before any transport, per LA Sanitation's official items-accepted list.

Nearby locations

Related items

Frequently asked questions

Where can I recycle asbestos?
Don't handle, cut, sand, or remove suspected asbestos material yourself, especially if it's damaged or a renovation will disturb it. Undisturbed, intact asbestos is often safest left in place, per the EPA. When removal is needed, hire a state-licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Some household hazardous waste facilities, like LA's Gaffey Street S.A.F.E. Center, accept small residential quantities, but only after it's already been professionally abated, wetted, and double-bagged.
Can asbestos go in curbside recycling?
Never place asbestos material, wetted/bagged or not, in curbside trash or recycling. It needs a licensed abatement contractor and, from there, an EPA-approved landfill with a designated asbestos cell, or a household hazardous waste facility that explicitly accepts small pre-abated residential quantities.
Is there a safety concern with asbestos?
Inhaling asbestos fibers, especially from disturbed or 'friable' material that crumbles easily, is a serious long-term health hazard linked to lung disease and mesothelioma. Never dry-sand, cut, break, or vacuum suspected asbestos material yourself.
Last verified 2026-09-18

Sources

Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.

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