Regulations · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
Disposing of Artex waste: what to do with old coating and debris
Start with the test result
How you dispose of Artex waste depends entirely on what it contains. If you have not had the coating tested, treat the waste as if it contains asbestos. Mixing untested textured coating debris with general rubble or putting it in a skip risks contaminating the whole load and breaking waste rules.
| Waste | How it is classed | Usual disposal route |
|---|---|---|
| Artex debris, tested negative | Inert or construction waste | Rubble bags, skip or recycling centre |
| Artex debris containing asbestos | Hazardous waste | Licensed site, sealed and labelled |
| Untested Artex debris | Treat as hazardous | Licensed site until proven otherwise |
| Used masks, overalls and wipes from asbestos work | Hazardous waste | Bag with the asbestos waste |
| New plaster offcuts and bags from skimming | General construction waste | Normal waste routes |
Skimming creates very little waste
One reason skimming is popular is that the coating stays on the ceiling, so there is almost no Artex waste to deal with. The only waste is plaster bags, offcuts and any small amounts of high points knocked back during preparation. That makes skimming much simpler and cheaper from a waste point of view, especially if the coating contains asbestos.
Household DIY waste at recycling centres
In England, councils can no longer charge households for small amounts of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres, under rules that took effect at the end of 2023. The free allowance is limited, for example to around two 50-litre rubble bags per visit, and councils set their own conditions and frequency limits. These rules cover ordinary DIY waste such as rubble and plasterboard, not asbestos.
Asbestos is treated separately. Some councils accept small quantities of bonded household asbestos at selected sites, usually by appointment and wrapped to their specification. Others offer a paid collection, and some do not accept it at all. Check your council's website before taking any asbestos waste anywhere.
Packaging asbestos-containing waste
- Wet the waste lightly to keep dust down
- Place it in a heavy-duty polythene bag, usually red or clearly marked
- Seal it, then place it inside a second bag and seal that too
- Label it as containing asbestos
- Do not overfill bags or include sharp items that could tear them
- Store it securely away from children and pets until collected
Contractors removing asbestos-containing textured coatings must follow HSE guidance on waste handling, including how the waste is packaged and transported.
What contractors must do
A contractor taking waste away from your property must be a registered waste carrier, and you should check their registration on the public register. For hazardous waste such as asbestos, waste in England and Wales must normally be accompanied by a hazardous waste consignment note, with similar paperwork elsewhere in the UK. Ask the contractor where the waste will go and keep a copy of the paperwork they give you.
- Check the waste carrier registration before work starts
- Ask how asbestos waste will be bagged, stored and transported
- Make sure the waste goes to a site permitted to accept asbestos
- Keep copies of waste transfer or consignment notes
- Never let anyone put untested Artex debris in a general skip
Your Duty of Care
Every household has a Duty of Care for its own waste, including building and DIY waste. If you hand waste to someone who is not authorised and it is fly-tipped, you can be fined, with fixed penalties of up to £600 in England. Fly-tipped asbestos is also expensive and hazardous for councils to clear, so proper disposal matters both legally and for public safety.
Businesses and landlords
Landlords and businesses who have Artex removed from their premises are producers of that waste and have additional responsibilities. They must make sure the waste is described correctly, passed only to authorised carriers, and recorded on waste transfer notes or hazardous waste consignment notes, which should be kept as records. Waste transfer notes must be kept for at least two years, and hazardous waste records for longer.
- Ask the contractor for copies of all waste paperwork
- Keep the paperwork with the property file
- Check that the carrier and receiving site are authorised
- Include asbestos test results with the records
For commercial premises and the communal areas of blocks of flats, any asbestos removed should also be reflected in the building's asbestos register, so the record stays accurate for future contractors.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put Artex in my wheelie bin?
No. Even if it tested negative, Artex debris is construction or DIY waste and should not go in household bins. If it contains asbestos, putting it in a bin is illegal and dangerous for waste workers. Tested-negative debris can usually go to a household waste recycling centre or in a skip, while asbestos-containing waste must go to a licensed site.
Can Artex waste go in a skip?
Only if it has tested negative for asbestos and the skip company accepts plaster waste. Most skip hire firms refuse asbestos entirely and may charge heavy fees if they find it in a load. If the coating has not been tested, do not put any of it in a skip. Ask the skip company about their rules on plaster and gypsum waste as well.
How much does asbestos waste disposal cost for a household?
It varies widely by council and region. Some councils accept small amounts of household asbestos at selected recycling centres for free or for a modest charge, while others use paid collections or licensed private firms. If you are having asbestos-containing Artex removed by a contractor, disposal is normally included in their price, so check their quote lists it clearly.
asbestos waste waste disposal recycling centres hazardous waste
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