Disposing of asbestos safely

Central Highlands Regional Council is reminding residents of the serious health risks associated with disposing of asbestos waste irresponsibly.

‘Asbestos is very common in homes built or renovated before 1987, found behind walls, ceilings, around hot water pipes, fences and more,’ said General Manager Communities John McDougall.

‘An estimated 4,000 Australians die annually from asbestos-related diseases. This is nearly four times the annual road toll.

‘It’s a scary number and that’s why it’s crucial that our residents dispose of asbestos safely.’

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring, rock forming silicate minerals made up of millions of thin, microscopic fibres. If inhaled, these fibres can cause many life-threatening diseases including mesothelioma, and cancer of the lung, ovary, and larynx.

In the Central Highlands, it is free to take up to 250 kg of domestic asbestos waste to the Lochlees or Blackwater landfills.

Mr McDougall said there was no excuse to do the wrong thing, and reminded residents that it is illegal to put asbestos waste in your home garbage bins or mixed in with green waste.

‘Last year there was a situation in Sydney where contaminated green waste had been mulched and used across the city in public areas such as parks and schools,’ he said.

‘To think kids could be breathing in asbestos fibres is truly terrifying, and what’s worse is this is completely avoidable.’

It is also illegal to re-use, recycle or illegally dump asbestos products and to store, sell or give away asbestos.

Mr McDougall said council closely inspects green waste deliveries across all its resource recovery centres for contamination.

So, how do you correctly and safely dispose of your asbestos waste?

Asbestos waste should be double wrapped in 0.2 mm thick plastic bags or sheeting, sealed with tape and labelled, and transported to a landfill site that accepts asbestos.

Alternatively, asbestos waste should be placed into a plastic-lined industrial skip that may have been provided by a waste contractor with an environmental authority to transport regulated waste.

For more information on asbestos safety, visit asbestos.qld.gov.au or contact council on 1300 242 686.