Asbestos which has been dumped in the middle of Epping Forest is just the latest fly-tipping incident, according to experts.
Keith French, Forest services manager, told the Epping Forest Guardian that it is not unusual for all sorts of hazardous waste to be left by builders liability insurance holders in the area.
"Sometimes you get substances in drums and you've no idea what they are. We have to bring in specialist companies to deal with it. In some case where it seeps into the ground you have to take the soil away and it can kill the environment," he added.
He went on to say that fly-tipping clear-ups have cost the council more than £50,000 so far this year.
Earlier this week, it was reported that road users in Claygate were put at risk after material, believed to be contaminated with asbestos, was found dumped on Woodstock Lane during the night.