Removal
Asbestos removal in Plymouth
From garage roofs to textured ceilings, floor tiles and pipe lagging. Send one enquiry and an HSE-licensed local contractor will contact you to quote.
Licensed and non-licensed asbestos work
The law treats asbestos work differently depending on the material and the risk. In short:
Needs an HSE-licensed contractor
- Sprayed coatings (limpet asbestos)
- Pipe lagging and thermal insulation
- Loose-fill insulation
- Asbestos millboard
- Most work on asbestos insulating board (AIB), unless it is short-duration work
Often non-licensed
- Most work on asbestos cement, e.g. many garage roofs, sheds, gutters and downpipes
- Some lower-risk materials where a risk assessment shows the control limit won't be exceeded, e.g. textured coatings and floor tiles in many cases
Non-licensed doesn't mean "anyone can do it". HSE says the people doing it still need the right information, instruction and training, and some non-licensed work must be notified.
Whether a job is licensable depends on the risk assessment, so the contractor will confirm which category your job falls into.
Sources: HSE: licensable work with asbestos; HSE asbestos FAQs; HSE: locations of asbestos.
Typical removal jobs
Garage roofs
Corrugated asbestos cement sheets are one of the most common jobs. See our garage roof guide.
Artex and textured ceilings
Get them tested first. If asbestos is found, options can include leaving it alone, covering it, or removal, depending on condition and what work you're planning.
Floor tiles
Old vinyl tiles, their adhesive and backing papers can contain asbestos. They're often left in place and covered, or lifted carefully if needed.
Pipe lagging and boiler insulation
Licensable work. Only an HSE-licensed contractor should touch it.
Soffits, panels, fire doors and boxing-in
Often asbestos insulating board (AIB). Most removal of AIB needs an HSE-licensed contractor.
Getting rid of asbestos in Plymouth
HSE says asbestos waste is hazardous waste and must not be mixed with normal household waste. A contractor will remove and dispose of it for you as part of the job.
If you're a Plymouth resident with a small amount of bonded asbestos, Plymouth City Council's rules (checked October 2026) are:
- It is accepted at Chelson Meadow only, not at other Plymouth recycling centres, and not in your bin.
- You must book two weeks in advance.
- Each item must be under 25kg. Heavier items are refused and need a licensed asbestos removal service.
- It costs £12.50 per bag or sheet, paid by card only.
- Double-wrap it in strong bags or plastic sheeting and seal it with tape before you move it. Don't break it up.
Saltash is in Cornwall, so different council rules apply there. Check with Cornwall Council.
Sources: Plymouth City Council: asbestos; HSE asbestos FAQs. Council charges change, so check the council page before you go.
Checking a contractor's licence
HSE's website links to the current list of licensed asbestos contractors, which changes as licences are issued, renewed or expire. You're welcome to check the contractor we pass your enquiry to.
Need asbestos removed?
Tell us what you need in about two minutes. We pass your enquiry to one HSE-licensed local contractor, who will contact you to discuss it. No obligation, and we never sell your details to lists.