Evaluate asbestos debris materials

How to evaluate debris materials made of asbestos

Wood or particle board flooring is sometimes segregated and sold to recycling centers, where it is chipped up and sold as filler or mulch (composting, gardening, etc.).

If resilient asbestos-containing floor covering is attached to such flooring it is considered RACM and must be removed prior to recycling. Tiles are often chipped or scraped off the substrate.

Large planks and joists, and beams (both wooden and steel) may also be saved if they are in good condition. Wooden planks are usually lifted with pry bars, whereas the larger joists and beams are segregated for reuse following the razing of the structure.

Where demolition debris will be recycled, any asbestos remaining on the debris must be removed prior to any recycling that will sand, grind, cut, or abrade the asbestos or otherwise cause it to become RACM.

Courtesy of The EPA