Safe asbestos disposal at Cosgrove Landfill

Summary New asbestos disposal point: Council introduces a dedicated facility at Cosgrove Landfill for the safe disposal of small quantities of packaged, non-friable asbestos waste. Operating schedule and booking system: The Asbestos Disposal Point will operate Monday to Friday (8am to 3pm) and Saturday (9am to 11am). Trades, householders and licensed asbestos removalists can access the service by booking through shepp.city/asbestos Local solution for asbestos disposal: Responding to the inconvenience of driving over an hour to dispose of asbestos, the Council collaborates with Sustainability Victoria to provide a local and safe option for the disposal of asbestos waste, supporting community safety and minimising the environmental impact. Safe handling and compliance: The disposal point, informed by technical specialists, EPA Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, accepts small quantities of correctly packaged non-friable asbestos waste (under 10 square meters or less than 100kgs). Strict procedures ensure compliance with legislation and regulations, highlighting the importance of both safe removal and safe disposal.

Read the full media release below. 

The Asbestos Disposal Point at Cosgrove Landfill has been specifically designed to temporarily store asbestos safely prior to transporting it to the landfill cell for final disposal.

The site will be operating Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm and Saturday from 9am to 11am.  Trades, householders and licensed asbestos removalists will be able to access the service by completing a booking via website shepp.city/asbestos. Bookings are essential.

Previously a popular building material in Australia, asbestos waste that is dumped in public spaces, or in kerbside bins, may be harmful and is a cost to the local community and businesses within Greater Shepparton.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Infrastructure, Gary Randhawa, said, “It’s important for Greater Shepparton that we have a conveniently located facility for the safe disposal of materials containing asbestos. This facility will help support the gradual and safe removal of this legacy waste from our buildings.”

Mr Randhawa commented on the need for the new Asbestos Disposal Point. “Currently, residents, tradespeople and licensed asbestos removalists in Greater Shepparton who want to dispose of asbestos are driving to landfills over an hour away. That’s why we’re piloting a new solution with Sustainability Victoria to provide a local and safe option for the disposal of asbestos.”

Cosgrove Landfill is a Council-owned and operated site that is licensed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria to receive asbestos. The establishment of the asbestos disposal point pilot has been informed by technical specialists, EPA Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria. This has included the development of guidance and procedures to support the site to manage asbestos waste safely and be compliant with relevant legislation and regulations.

The disposal point will only accept small quantities (under 10 square metres or less than 100kgs) of non-friable asbestos waste that’s been correctly packaged. This includes materials such as cement sheeting, also known as AC sheeting or fibro. Once delivered, the asbestos waste is stored in a secure area equipped with a covered bin to keep site workers, and customers, safe. When the bin reaches storage limits, the waste will be transported to the landfill cell for safe disposal.

Mr Randhawa commented on the importance of safe removal as well as safe disposal. “With asbestos present in roughly one third of Australian homes, the safe removal of asbestos from a building is just as important as safe disposal. It’s important to remember that any building constructed before 1990 will likely contain asbestos. So before even starting any home or yard renovation projects, check for asbestos. If you find asbestos, it is strongly recommended that you engage a licensed asbestos removalist to help keep yourself and your community safe.”

To make a booking to use the Asbestos Disposal Point and for more information on disposal fees and how to package, transport and dispose of asbestos safely call Greater Shepparton Customer Service Centre on 5832 9700 or visit shepp.city/asbestos.