Asbestos

Handling asbestos

Products containing asbestos generally do not pose a risk if they are in good condition and are undisturbed. It is when products and materials that contain asbestos are weathered, broken or punctured that harmful fibres can be released.

All homeowners and renovators should seek out accurate information before commencing any building or renovating around their home. We recommend the use of a licensed asbestos removal contractor for the removal of all asbestos-based building materials.

It is important to seek advice about correct identification, removal and handling of products containing asbestos. Special precautions should always be taken, even for minor renovation works that don't require Council approval.

Council recommends that you:

  • treat all fibro sheets as if they contain asbestos unless tested
  • use a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove all materials containing asbestos

Removing asbestos

All building subject to development approval from Council requires a licensed contractor to remove asbestos.

The law requires a licensed asbestos removal contractor be used for:

  • the removal of all friable asbestos products
  • the removal of more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos

Disposing of asbestos

Building products that contain asbestos are required to be disposed of at a licensed waste facility. The Awaba Waste Management Facility is our licensed facility.

The dumping of asbestos in any place that is not licensed to receive asbestos waste is an offence that carries a penalty of up to $5000.

Requirements for disposing of asbestos

  • A minimum of 24 hours notice must be given to the Supervisor of the Awaba Waste Management Facility on 4921 0778 prior to the disposal of all quantities of asbestos.
  • At the time of booking, we will enter the details into the Facility's asbestos booking diary and advise you of the EPA's WasteLocate program.
  • Asbestos material may be disposed at the Awaba Waste Management Facility between 8am-noon, Monday to Friday.
  • Asbestos will not be accepted during wet weather.
  • Asbestos must be wet to avoid the creation of dust and must be wrapped in heavy-duty plastic or other NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), WorkCover or National Australia Testing Authority (NATA) approved wrapping system, such as Hazi Bags.
  • It must be in manageable bundles that maintain their integrity during the unloading process.
  • Before transporting asbestos waste (greater than 10 square metres or 100kg), each load needs to have a unique EPA consignment ID generated by logging into WasteLocate and following the on-screen prompts.
  • We will inspect each load using CCTV located at the weighbridge. If a load does not visibly comply, it will be rejected.
  • You will be required to scan the WasteLocate QR2id plate located adjacent to the inbound Gatehouse window (for asbestos loads greater than 100kg).
  • We will check that the driver has scanned the QR2id plate. If the QR2id plate has not been scanned, we will record this against the transaction and advise the driver of the EPA's WasteLocate program by providing an EPA brochure.
  • It is your responsibility to share your name and address with staff at the Facility, as well as nature of the load to ensure correct charges apply.
  • It is your responsibility to unload your vehicle. It is not the responsibility of the Awaba Waste Management Facility staff to assist in the unloading of asbestos from any vehicle.
  • If during the unloading, a load is deemed to not comply with Council's requirements, for example the wrapping has split or the material is not appropriately covered, then:
    • You must wet down and cover the asbestos with plastic to a degree that complies with Council's requirements.
    • If you are unprepared or unable to fulfil these requirements, the Facility Supervisor will decide on how to proceed with the asbestos disposal process. This may result in you being directed to remove the asbestos off-site.