Abstract: A solid waste container has a container body with an open top which accepts a removable lid. The container also has a passage for evacuating air from within the container through a filter disposed at an inboard end of the passage. A check valve prevents air from re-entering the container through the passage. The container optionally includes integrally formed grooves for strapping the lid to the container, slots for allowing transport and handling using a fork truck, and handles for hand manipulation. Utilizing an evacuated container for transporting solid waste such as asbestos, prevents the discharge of particulates from the containers during handling and transport and thus, reduces the potential for exposure to such substances.