Friable asbestos is easily broken up into smaller pieces and can be very dangerous. It may be found in old popcorn ceilings, textured paints, acoustical spray-on ceilings, pipe insulation, and the millboard pictured above. Read more about asbestos on the EPA's website.

Why care about asbestos?

Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause for the rare cancer mesothelioma which affects the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, and some of the body's other internal organs. Find more information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure from the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance or at PleuralMesothelioma.com and Asbestos.com. All of these websites provide helpful background information and resources pertaining to the disease.

Not sure if it is asbestos?

If you are unsure if a product contains asbestos, take a look at our Asbestos Testing page for a list of resources to help you find out.

Get a Pro to Clean Up

There are several businesses that will do the removal of asbestos to help you get rid of the material safely. Take a look at our Abestos Removal page for more information.

Important Disposal Instructions

• Improperly packaged asbestos will not be accepted.
• Asbestos-containing materials must be double-bagged and sealed in thick 6-millimeter bags that state they contain asbestos. Normal trash bags or other containers are not acceptable.
• Free asbestos bags are available from the Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division office or the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center (CHWCC) for home owners doing their own abatement. Call (805) 882-3602 to obtain a supply of bags.
• Each bag must weigh no more than 35 pounds.
• A maximum of 125 pounds (about four bags) is accepted for free per month from households at the CHWCC.
• Additional asbestos will cost $2.20 per pound at the CHWCC.

Business Instructions

• Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) enforces asbestos related air quality laws for demolition and renovation of all business structures and apartment buildings with more than four units.
• Advanced notification to the APCD may be required before removing asbestos.
• Contact the APCD at (805) 961-8800 or visit the APCD website if you have questions.

Where to go

• All of Santa Barbara County (1)

  • Safety Kleen — 5310 Overpass Road

• Santa Barbara Area (1)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road

• Goleta & UCSB Area (1)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road

• Lompoc Valley & VAFB (1)

  • City of Lompoc Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility — 1585 N. "V" St

• Outside Santa Barbara County (7)

  • Asbury Environmental Services — 2100 North Alameda Street
  • BGI — 527 North Rice Avenue
  • C.J. Seto Support Services, LLC — 2300 Knoll Dr, Unit G
  • Clean Harbors, Inc. — 880 W Verdulera St
  • Earth911.com - Information Only — 1375 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 140
  • Industrial Waste Utilization — 5601 State Street
  • Stericycle, Incorporated