I live in CA and my 1950's house has asbestos siding. Has anyone dealt with this stuff before? How do you legally (and inexpensively!) get rid of it. Can I do it myself? How much does it roughly cost? etc.
Any info whatsoever is helpful!
Thanks!

You have to have a professional do it! It will be very costly because they have to dispose of hazardous waste.

Please read this article:

http://www.sbcapcd.org/biz/asbestos.htm

okay, this is important. there is a reason why professional asbestos removers wear space suits and respirators. any time asbestos is bumped, moved or scraped, tiny fibers become airborne and then you have a high probability of inhaling them thus, years later, you or your neighbors downwind come down with asbestosis (a form of cancer) and then you die. it is perfectly safe so long as it is not disturbed. i believe they stopped using it after 1975. i have seen independent contractors scrape dry asbestos popcorn from ceilings, these guys were cheap but not licensed professionals. from what i understand the main thing you want to see is that the area to be removed is soaked with water so the waste falls to the ground and does not get airborne. save yourself some heath issues, (as well as your neighbors) spend the money and have it professionally removed. much better in the long run. peace, micr0minee

Asbestos siding is the best siding ever made! As long as you leave it alone, it poses no threat to anyone. Having it professionally removed is extremely expensive and doing it yourself is both dangerous and illegal in most states.

The very best thing you can do for you and your house is to have it painted. It will look great and you will still reap the benefits of this strong, long lasting, good looking, thermal barrier protecting your home.