Why Asbestos Matters in Collierville

Approximately 38% of Collierville's housing stock predates 1980 — the year federal NESHAP regulations effectively ended new asbestos use in most building materials. Common structures include ranch homes from the 1960s–1980s, post-war wood-frame and brick homes, mid-century commercial buildings.

Collierville is a Shelby County suburban municipality east of Memphis, with significant post-war and mid-century residential development in older neighborhoods and rapid new growth since the 1990s; approximately 38% of housing predates 1980.
Tennessee TDLWD/TOSHA contractor licensing and 10-day notification to TDEC Memphis Environmental Field Office required under Tennessee Code Annotated §68-131-101 for qualifying renovation or demolition projects.
Ranch homes and 1960s–1970s residential development in Collierville's older established neighborhoods along Poplar Avenue and Byhalia Road, as well as older commercial buildings along the Collierville Town Square, may contain asbestos in floor tile adhesive, HVAC duct insulation, and pipe wrap; newer development post-1980 is unlikely to contain ACM — commission a licensed asbestos inspection for any structure built before 1985.
Federal law (40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M — NESHAP) requires notification to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Air Pollution Control; Collierville/Shelby County projects notify TDEC Memphis Environmental Field Office at least 10 working days before qualifying renovation or demolition work.
Only Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA), Asbestos Program; Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) enforces NESHAP-licensed contractors may legally perform asbestos abatement in Collierville.
Never disturb suspected asbestos-containing material without a licensed inspection. Friable asbestos releases fibers that cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Tennessee Licensing & Regulatory Requirements

All asbestos abatement in Collierville is governed by federal NESHAP, Tennessee state law, and — where applicable — local air district rules.

Federal: NESHAP

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) require notification to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Air Pollution Control; Collierville/Shelby County projects notify TDEC Memphis Environmental Field Office at least 10 working days before qualifying projects. Applies to all owners and operators.

40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M

Tennessee State License

Licensing body: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA), Asbestos Program; Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) enforces NESHAP. Required license type: Tennessee asbestos abatement contractor license (TDLWD/TOSHA); certified asbestos supervisor and worker required; asbestos inspector, management planner, and project designer also licensed under Tennessee law.

Tennessee Code Annotated §68-131-101 et seq. (Tennessee Asbe

Worker Protection: OSHA

All workers and supervisors must be AHERA-accredited. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 sets permissible exposure limits and required work practices for asbestos in construction.

29 CFR 1926.1101

Notification Requirement

Notify Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Air Pollution Control; Collierville/Shelby County projects notify TDEC Memphis Environmental Field Office at least 10 working days before qualifying renovation or demolition. Failure to notify is a federal violation.

10-day advance notice

Cost Ranges for Collierville Homeowners

All figures are ranges — get at least three written quotes before hiring. Costs vary by material type, square footage, and local labor rates.

Popcorn ceiling removal

Per 200–500 sq ft room

$210–$630

per room

Pipe & HVAC insulation

Linear feet of pipe wrap removal

$350–$1,120

typical project

Floor tile abatement

9" vinyl tile with mastic adhesive

$280–$910

per room

Full home abatement

Complete pre-renovation survey & removal

$1,400–$9,500

full project

Source: HomeAdvisor 2025 — Tennessee near national avg; Collierville/Shelby County (Memphis metro) has an active contractor market

Always obtain at least three written quotes. Costs do not include testing ($250–$850 for inspector survey) or disposal fees.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring in Collierville

A legitimate contractor will answer all of these without hesitation.

Are you licensed and accredited in Tennessee?

Ask for their Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA), Asbestos Program; Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) enforces NESHAP license number and verify it on the state licensing database. Federal AHERA accreditation is also required for supervisors and workers.

Will you file the required notification with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Air Pollution Control; Collierville/Shelby County projects notify TDEC Memphis Environmental Field Office?

Yes — they must file at least 10 working days before work begins. Ask to see the filed notification or confirmation number.

How will the asbestos waste be disposed of?

Ask for the name and location of the licensed TSCA-permitted disposal facility they use, and request a copy of the waste manifest. Do not accept vague answers.

What containment methods do you use?

Proper abatement requires critical barriers, negative air pressure machines with HEPA filtration, and full-body PPE. Ask for their written work plan before signing any contract.

Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation?

Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured. Minimum $1 million general liability for residential projects; higher for commercial.

Will you provide a written clearance air sample report after abatement?

Post-abatement air clearance testing by a separate third-party industrial hygienist is best practice and often required for commercial projects in Tennessee.

Can you provide references from recent Collierville-area projects?

Ask for three references from projects completed in the past 12 months. A reputable contractor will have them readily available.

What does your written contract include?

The contract should include: scope of work, start and end dates, containment plan, disposal facility name, payment schedule, and a clause requiring regulatory compliance. Never pay more than 30% upfront.

Asbestos Removal in Collierville, Tennessee