Salt Lake Valley Health Department
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Solid and Hazardous Waste
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to have the building I am demolishing inspected first?
Many structures contain hazardous components such as thermostats (containing mercury), PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts, refrigerators containing Freon, drums or other containers of hazardous materials or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These must be removed prior to demolition to prevent contamination of the environment or adverse health effects towards workers, neighbors or others. This inspection must be completed by a licensed Pre-Demolition Inspector.
What do I need to do before beginning a demolition?
First, contact you city building department for guidelines. You must then submit a request for a ten-day permit to the Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ). Next, have the structure to be demolished inspection by a Health Department licensed Pre-demolition Building Inspector. You and the inspector need to complete and submit a Pre-demolition Building Inspection Form to the Health Department before beginning demolition. Make sure you keep copies of all paperwork and forms for UDAQ, Health Department, and your city on-site until the demolition is completed.
Do I have to hire a pre-demolition inspector AND an asbestos inspector before I demolish a building?
It is a requirement for a pre-demolition building inspector (PBI) to also be a certified asbestos inspector. If you select a Pre-Demolition Inspector from the list posted on our SLVHD website, they will be able to inspect and sample your structure for asbestos as well as any other hazardous substances. They will download the pre-demolition form from our website and fill this out during their inspection.
If my Inspector finds asbestos-containing materials in my building, what do I do next?
If asbestos, asbestos-containing, or other hazardous materials are found in your building, you must have the materials properly removed and disposed of. Asbestos and asbestos-containing found in a home can be removed by the home owners so long as they follow UT Division of Air Quality guidelines. Asbestos and asbestos-containing found in commercial building should be removed by a certified asbestos removal contractor. Asbestos and asbestos-containing can only go to landfills that are permitted to bury them – Salt Lake County Landfill and Waste Control Management.
Household hazardous wastes, such as pesticides, herbicides, and solvents, can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste site at the Salt Lake County Landfill free of charge. Antifreeze, batteries, oil, and paint can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste site at the Salt Lake County Landfill, too, or to an ABOP (Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil, and Paint) collection center. Hazardous wastes from commercial projects or businesses can be taken to the landfill for a fee. Household and commercial hazardous can also be removed by private remediation companies.
Do I need to have the Health Department come out and inspect the site or sign off on my pre-demolition inspection form?
The Health Department will not inspect the site, but does have to sign the form to show that you have submitted the form as required. The "signed for" is evidence that your building has been inspected and any asbestos, asbestos containing material, or other hazardous materials have been removed.
Do I have to follow the same procedures if I am just doing a renovation?
In general, if the renovation involves disturbing regulated asbestos-containing materials, or other hazardous materials, they must be removed prior to the renovation. Refer to the State’s DAQ website for more information on renovations.