Suspected asbestos fly-tipped in city litter bins

Building waste containing suspected asbestos was found in bins on Burnthouse Lane in Exeter

Litter bins have been sealed off in Exeter city centre after hazardous asbestos was suspected to have been dumped in them.

The city council said three bins on Burnthouse Lane were used to dump building waste in.

It said the material is likely to contain asbestos and the bins have been sealed off until specialists can remove it.

A "persistent fly-tipper" was putting building waste in the bins on a "weekly basis", the council said.

Councillor Ruth Williams, lead councillor for city management, said the bins would have to be removed if they were not used correctly.

“Someone, somewhere must have an idea who is doing this," she said.

"These bins are meant to be for on-the-go litter like crisp packets and chocolate bar wrappers, not building materials and certainly not hazardous waste."

Fly-tipping can attract fines of up to £50,000 in a magistrates' court and unlimited fines in higher courts.

Suspected fly-tipping in Exeter can be reported via the council website.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos-related diseases kill around 4,500 people a year across England, Scotland and Wales.

Asbestos can become a danger to health if disturbed or damaged and using any type of the substance was banned in the UK in 1999.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other serious lung diseases.