Asbestos is being stored in shipping containers on a patch of land near homes in Sprowston, the site's owner revealed.
People living next to the plot in Tills Road had feared hazardous waste was being kept in the crates, which appeared a year ago, when they were not told what they contain.
Clarion Housing, which owns the land, has now confirmed two of the eight containers are filled with asbestos.
But the firm, which is one of the UK's largest housing associations and developers, eased fears over the waste, saying "that has been professionally removed, double bagged and secured in line with current asbestos regulations".
A spokesman from Clarion Housing said: "We apologise to residents in the area for any inconvenience caused.
"All of the containers are locked securely within the compound and pose no harm to neighbours."
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made of very fine fibres that was widely used in construction during the mid 20th century.
Drilling, cutting or damaging buildings containing asbestos can release the fibres, which, if breathed in, can lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious disease years later.
The company is storing "parts and fittings for planned improvement works in a nearby estate" in the other six containers.
The spokesman added: "Unfortunately, the project work has been delayed, leaving the containers in place longer than anticipated.
"We expect the containers to remain in place for another six months but are working to accelerate this where possible."
Keith Trimmer, who lives in Tills Road, said his wife is "desperate" to get them moved and has been complaining to Broadland County Council about the problem.
Kevin Bacon, who drives past the "eyesore" crates every day, is fed up with rubbish blowing into the surrounding area from three large skips next to the crates.
Clarion Housing has now replaced the open skip with a closed one to "avoid any more debris escaping".
