What US Ecology does with asbestos
US Ecology is a waste management and environmental services company that operates hazardous waste disposal facilities across the United States. They accept asbestos-containing materials at licensed facilities and handle the removal, transportation, and disposal of asbestos waste according to federal and state regulations. If you are arranging asbestos removal from a building or property, US Ecology is one option for where that waste can go — but they do not perform the removal work itself.
US Ecology operates under strict licensing requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies. Their role is to receive asbestos waste that has already been removed by a licensed contractor, then dispose of it in a way that prevents the fibers from entering the air or water. They are not the company you call to remove asbestos from your home or building; you call a licensed asbestos abatement contractor for that work, and that contractor arranges disposal.
Key Takeaways
- US Ecology operates licensed hazardous waste facilities that accept asbestos waste, but does not perform removal work itself.
- Your asbestos removal contractor handles arranging transportation to a disposal facility — you do not contact US Ecology directly for removal.
- US Ecology must follow EPA regulations and state rules for how asbestos waste is packaged, transported, and buried or otherwise disposed of.
- The cost of disposal is typically included in the removal contractor's bid, so you pay one price for the entire job rather than paying US Ecology separately.
How asbestos gets to a US Ecology facility
When you hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor, that contractor is responsible for getting the removed material to a disposal facility. The contractor may use US Ecology, another licensed disposal company, or a local facility depending on what is available in your area and what the contractor has contracts with. You do not choose the disposal facility yourself — the removal contractor makes that decision and includes the disposal cost in their estimate.
The asbestos waste must be packaged according to EPA rules before it leaves the removal site. This means it is typically placed in heavy plastic bags, sealed, labeled with warning labels, and sometimes double-bagged. The contractor's crew handles all of this work. Once packaged, a licensed hauler transports it to the disposal facility. US Ecology facilities that accept asbestos are equipped to receive and process this material safely.
What happens to asbestos at a disposal facility
When asbestos waste arrives at a US Ecology facility, it is inspected to confirm it is properly packaged and labeled. The facility then disposes of it according to the type of asbestos and the facility's licensed method. Most asbestos disposal involves burial in a lined landfill designed to prevent the material from contacting groundwater or being disturbed. Some facilities may use other approved methods depending on their license and the waste type.
The facility keeps records of all asbestos waste received, including where it came from, how much arrived, and how it was disposed of. These records are available to regulators and may be requested if there are questions about a particular removal job. The goal is to isolate the asbestos permanently so that the fibers cannot be released into the environment.
Finding a US Ecology location near you
US Ecology operates multiple facilities across the country, but not every location accepts asbestos. If your removal contractor tells you they plan to use US Ecology, ask which facility they are sending the material to and confirm it is licensed to accept asbestos waste. You can also visit the US Ecology website to search for facilities by state and see what types of waste each one accepts.
Your removal contractor will already know which facilities in your area accept asbestos and will have established relationships with them. If you are getting multiple bids from removal contractors, you can ask each one where they plan to dispose of the waste — this is a legitimate question and the answer should be part of their written estimate. Different contractors may use different facilities, but all must use licensed disposal sites.
Cost and what it includes
The cost of asbestos disposal is built into the removal contractor's bid. You do not receive a separate invoice from US Ecology or any disposal facility. When a contractor quotes you a price for asbestos removal, that price covers the removal work, the packaging, the transportation, and the disposal. The disposal portion is typically 15 to 30 percent of the total job cost, though this varies by the amount of material and the distance to the facility.
If you are comparing bids from different contractors, the disposal method and facility should be disclosed in writing. Some contractors may offer options — for example, a lower price if you allow them to choose the disposal facility, or a higher price if you request a specific facility. Ask about this when you get estimates. The facility itself does not charge you directly; the contractor pays the facility and passes that cost to you.
Regulations US Ecology must follow
US Ecology facilities that accept asbestos must hold a hazardous waste permit from the EPA and comply with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). They must also follow state environmental regulations, which vary by location. These rules cover how asbestos is received, stored, handled, and disposed of. Facilities are inspected regularly by regulators to confirm they are following the rules.
The EPA also requires that asbestos disposal facilities maintain detailed records and report on the waste they receive. If you ever need to verify that your asbestos was disposed of properly, you can request documentation from your removal contractor showing which facility received the material and when. This documentation can be useful for real estate transactions or if you need proof of proper disposal for insurance or legal reasons.
What to ask your removal contractor about disposal
When you are getting bids for asbestos removal, include these questions in your conversation with each contractor: Where will the asbestos waste be disposed of? Is that facility licensed to accept asbestos? Will I receive documentation showing the waste was disposed of? How is the disposal cost included in your bid? Can you provide references from past jobs?
A reputable contractor will answer these questions directly and provide a written estimate that names the disposal facility. If a contractor is vague about disposal or will not name the facility, that is a red flag. You want to know that your asbestos is going to a licensed, regulated facility — not to an unlicensed operator or into an illegal dump. The contractor's willingness to be transparent about disposal is a sign of a professional operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take asbestos to a US Ecology facility myself?
No. Asbestos waste must be removed by a licensed contractor who follows EPA packaging and handling rules. Taking it yourself would violate federal regulations and put you at risk of exposure. Your contractor arranges all transportation to the disposal facility.
How do I know if my asbestos was actually disposed of?
Ask your removal contractor for a copy of the disposal documentation before you pay the final bill. This should show the facility name, the date received, and the amount of material. Keep this paperwork for your records. If you need to verify disposal years later, you can contact the facility directly with this information.
Is US Ecology the only option for asbestos disposal?
No. There are other licensed hazardous waste disposal companies and facilities across the country. Your contractor will choose based on location, capacity, and their existing contracts. All licensed facilities must follow the same EPA and state regulations, so the disposal process is similar regardless of which facility is used.
What if I find asbestos in my home but have not hired a contractor yet?
Do not disturb it. Contact a licensed asbestos abatement contractor in your area to assess the material and provide a removal bid. The contractor will handle all steps, including disposal. You can find contractors through your state environmental agency or by searching for "asbestos removal" plus your city or county name.
Does US Ecology charge different rates for different types of asbestos?
Disposal costs may vary based on the type and amount of asbestos, but you do not negotiate directly with US Ecology. Your removal contractor includes the disposal cost in their bid. If you want to know the specific disposal rate, ask your contractor — they can tell you what they are charged and what they are passing on to you.