Flemish cities and municipalities have collectively collected more than 100,000 tonnes of asbestos cement from the homes of more than 63,000 citizens since the start of the first local projects in 2018.
According to waste management company OVAM, this corresponds to no less than 5 million square metres of roof and wall cladding.
Until the turn of the century, asbestos-containing materials were widely used, including in private homes and buildings.
Most cities and municipalities in Flanders organise a source collection project. This is a cost-effective home collection service for asbestos cement.
Thanks to subsidies from OVAM, citizens can use this service at a greatly reduced rate.
The first local asbestos projects started in 2018. Last month, the 100,000-tonne mark for asbestos cement was exceeded.
"An important milestone," according to OVAM, and "a major achievement in the efforts of OVAM and local authorities to make Flanders asbestos-safe by 2040."
According to Environment Minister Jo Brouns (CD&V) and OVAM, there are numerous advantages to home collection. In addition to the advantageous rate, collection is safer and easier for citizens, with protective equipment and a manual provided.
In some places, an asbestos coach even comes to the site. "It also creates a positive dynamic in neighbourhoods. The visibility of the projects encourages others to participate, and local expertise ensures safe and efficient implementation," says Brouns.
Estimates by OVAM in 2019 showed that there are still approximately 2.3 million tonnes of asbestos-containing materials in circulation, of which approximately 865,000 tonnes are in the private housing market.
OVAM has invested €38 million in subsidies for collection projects to date.
All these efforts combined have resulted in the removal and disposal of approximately 150,000 tonnes of asbestos waste per year in recent years.
