Quick answer
Legally, yes — a homeowner can remove asbestos cement from their own home. In practice, it is rarely a good idea. You must comply with CAR 2012, use appropriate PPE and RPE, avoid breaking the sheets, use double-bagged red asbestos waste bags, and dispose of the material at a licensed HWRC. A competent contractor will typically quote a fixed price after a short scoping call.
What the law says
CAR 2012 applies to work with asbestos. Non-licensed work — which includes intact asbestos cement removal — does not require a licensed contractor, and does not prevent a homeowner from carrying it out on their own home. However, the same regulations that apply to a contractor (assessment, controls, RPE, waste handling) apply to the homeowner in principle.
What you must do if you self-remove
Assess the material and confirm it is intact cement (a sample test is wise). Wear disposable coveralls, gloves, and a properly fitted P3 respirator. Wet the material lightly to suppress fibres. Do not break, cut or drill the sheets. Remove whole sheets by lifting fixings. Double-wrap in 1000-gauge polythene and red asbestos waste bags. Dispose only at a licensed HWRC (many require pre-booking).
Why most people don't
A competent contractor will typically remove a small garage roof in half a day, priced on a fixed quote including disposal and waste transfer notes. Given the RPE, coveralls, tipping fees and the labour, DIY rarely saves money and carries meaningful risk.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Do I need HSE notification?+
For intact asbestos cement (non-licensed, non-notifiable), no notification is required.
Can I take it to a regular tip?+
No — asbestos waste must go to a licensed HWRC. Most councils accept small quantities from residents by appointment.
What if the sheets break?+
Broken material becomes higher risk and generates fibres. Stop, damp down, isolate the area and call a competent contractor.