Killer asbestos dumped on Bickleigh lane

Even verge had to be removed to safety

Waste including asbestos has been dumped in a Mid Devon lane, leading the district council to warn of the daners.

The fly-tipped waste was found by the council's Streetscene team, and was later identified by specialists as asbestos insulation board (AIB) which is especially hazardous. 

Having been tipped onto a public highway it was easily accessible to members of the public, and its removal urgent. After approval from the Health and Safety Executive, Devon County Council arranged an emergency road closure so that it could be removed, with the help of a hazard containment unit monitoring air quality, as the material was removed.

In total 40 bags of hazardous material were removed, including part of the verge that the material was tipped on. 

Because it is so dangerous, removing asbestos insulating board has to be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor - and it can release dangerous asbestos fibres.  The cost of arranging such controlled and contained conditions is borne by local council taxpayers.

A statement from Mid Devon District Council says: "Fly-tipping of any material is a serious criminal offence, but when it comes to asbestos the environmental and financial impacts are great. Between 2019/20, just under one million incidents of fly-tipping were reported in England at a cost to the tax payer of £10.9 million.

If you witness someone fly-tipping, or have information regarding this fly-tip, we would like to hear from you. To report a fly-tip please fill out our online form which can be found here: Report fly-tipping or call customer services on 01884 255255."