Safe disposal of commercial asbestos

Asbestos can be disposed of at Shepard landfill only. The asbestos waste must be specially packaged before it can be accepted. Landfill fees will apply.

This information is for commercial haulers and businesses bringing in asbestos waste. A permit and appointment are required for all asbestos disposals.

If you are a resident, please visit the What Goes Where Asbestos page.

You can also find private companies that handle asbestos cleanup in the Yellow Pages under "Asbestos Removal & Abatement".

Apply for permit

  1. Download and save the Industrial Waste Permit Application form to your computer.
  2. Fill in the required fields.
  3. Attach the completed form and email to: industrialpermits@calgary.ca. You will receive a response within 3 business days.

The City of Calgary's waste permit application for asbestos has no fee and is valid for up to one year. 

Note: Certain projects may not fall under the general Industrial Waste Permit and require additional case-by-case evaluation. Applications for disposal from Alberta OHS Section 34 Demolitions require special considerations.

Appointments

Location: Asbestos is only accepted at the Shepard landfill.
When: Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. by appointment only (closed on holidays).

Appointment requests must be made by 10 a.m. the day prior for next-day disposal. All appointment requests are subject to availability.

Once a booking is made, you will receive a confirmation email. You must bring a printed or electronic copy of both the confirmation email and your Industrial Waste Permit with you to your appointment.

To make an appointment

Rates

Asbestos is charged the Industrial waste rate. Please see our landfill rates for the latest fees.

All loads are subject to inspection prior to unloading. If loads have rips, tears, or openings in the poly wrapping, the load will be turned away or charged a Hard-to-Handle surcharge. Please see the Packaging Requirements below for more details.

Special considerations

Certain projects may not fall under the general Industrial Waste Permit and require additional case-by-case evaluation.

Special asbestos containing materials (ACM) disposal

Special projects for Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) disposal may also be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Examples include items such as:

  • Industrial HVAC ventilation, 
  • Asbestos-containing pipes
  • Specialized commercial and industrial equipment.

It does not include materials from building demolitions or structural components unless approved by The City.

For inquiries regarding ACM disposal, please email industrialpermits@calgary.ca.

Disposal of Alberta OHS section 34 demolitions

Disposal of ACM waste from building demolitions falls under Section 34 of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. Please refer to the Government of Alberta’s OHS Director’s Order for removal of ACM. 

  • Requests for Section 34 ACM waste disposal are reviewed case-by-case.
  • The applicant must present a report certified by a professional engineer ensuring that this allowance or the original legislative requirement is complied with.
  • If authorized, you will be provided with a written communication from The City of Calgary as the receiving landfill accepting the waste.

Approved disposal requests will receive a confirmation letter and Industrial Waste Disposal Permit specific to the Alberta’s OHS Section 34. This approval will not be applicable to other projects.

To submit a Section 34 disposal request, contact industrialpermits@calgary.ca.

Packaging your asbestos

All asbestos waste must be packaged properly for safe handling and disposal:

  • Must be double-bagged with polyethylene sheets (6-mil) 
  • All material must be wetted prior to being bagged. 
  • All bags and bladders must be double-wrapped and sealed (with duct tape or similar products) to prevent a release of material at the landfill. 
    • The maximum recommended size of a bladder is 20 cubic yards.
    • The maximum recommended size of the bin is 40 cubic yards. 

Please refer to the following documents for proper asbestos packaging:

Improperly packaged asbestos may be rejected or charged a Hard-to-Handle surcharge.

Improperly packaged asbestos examples

When you package asbestos, take care to avoid the following errors:​

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