Ohio Asbestos Disposal Requirements

Overview

Asbestos waste disposal in Ohio is regulated under OAC 3745-20-05, which mirrors the federal NESHAP waste handling and disposal requirements (40 CFR 61, Subpart M). The abatement contractor is typically responsible for waste handling, transport, and disposal. Licensed contractors must demonstrate access to at least one Ohio EPA-approved asbestos disposal site as a condition of their contractor license.

Waste Handling Requirements

Wetting

All regulated asbestos-containing waste material (RACM) must be adequately wetted and kept wet at all times during handling, loading, transport, and disposal. Wetting is the primary control for preventing fiber release during waste handling.

Packaging

RACM must be sealed in leak-tight containers or wrapping before transport. Containers must prevent fiber release during handling and transport. Alternatively, RACM may be transported in leak-tight transport vehicles or containers that are securely covered or enclosed and produce no visible emissions.

Labeling

All containers of asbestos waste must be labeled in accordance with OSHA hazard communication requirements and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Labels must identify the contents as asbestos-containing waste and include appropriate hazard warnings.

No Visible Emissions

There must be no visible emissions to the outside air during collection, processing, packaging, or transport of asbestos-containing waste material.

Exceptions for Non-Friable ACM

Category I non-friable ACM waste (resilient floor covering, asphalt roofing, packings, gaskets) and Category II non-friable ACM waste that has not been crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder is exempt from the wetting and leak-tight container requirements. However, this material must still be:

• Disposed of at an approved facility
• Handled in a manner that does not render it friable
• Kept separate from friable ACM waste if different disposal requirements apply

Disposal Facilities

Asbestos-containing waste material must be disposed of at a waste disposal site operated in accordance with the provisions of 40 CFR 61.156 (active waste disposal sites for asbestos). In Ohio, the disposal facility must be approved by Ohio EPA.

Asbestos waste is not classified as hazardous waste under RCRA (unless it also contains a listed hazardous waste or exhibits a hazardous characteristic). It is classified as a special waste and must be managed accordingly at the receiving landfill.

Alternative Disposal Methods

Alternative asbestos waste disposal systems or emission control and waste treatment methods may be used if they receive prior written approval from the Ohio EPA Director. Applications for alternative methods must include a complete description of the system, the estimated quantity of materials, and an operating plan demonstrating no visible emissions during collection, treatment, transport, and disposal.

Transport

Vehicles used to transport asbestos waste must be leak-tight and either enclosed or securely covered. No visible emissions are permitted during transport. Waste shipments must be accompanied by proper manifesting documentation as required by DOT and the receiving facility.

Resources

• OAC 3745-20-05 - Ohio asbestos waste handling and disposal
• 40 CFR 61.150-157 - Federal NESHAP waste handling requirements
• Ohio Asbestos Regulations Overview
• Ohio Asbestos Certification and Licensing - Contractor license disposal site requirement