The Comox Valley Waste Management Centre is temporarily not accepting renovation drywall this week.

The closure runs through August 21 while required asbestos testing is carried out.

Comox Strathcona Waste Management says the drywall bunker is being closed intermittently because of an increase in the illegal disposal of drywall containing asbestos.   Renovation drywall will now be turned away for approximately one week each month while testing takes place.

There are different requirements depending on the age and type of drywall being disposed of.

New construction drywall cut-offs without joint compound, as well as demolition drywall dated after 1990, can be accepted without an asbestos testing report. Loads are subject to visual inspection, and a Drywall Waste Disposal Application and Declaration Form must be completed.

Demolition drywall dated before 1990, or drywall without a visible date stamp, must be tested for asbestos by a qualified professional.

CSWM says samples must be collected from the home by a qualified professional, and test results from samples brought to a laboratory by homeowners will not be accepted.

Testing is required for each room being renovated, and paint colours listed on the test results need to match the drywall in the load.

Applications and test results can be submitted to CSWM by email before bringing the material to the facility.

The same disposal requirements apply at the Campbell River Waste Management Centre.

Residents are being asked to check the Comox Strathcona Waste Management website regularly for updates on when renovation drywall will be accepted.