Asbestos Removal and Disposal

Handling of asbestos

If you are considering renovating, you need to be aware of potential asbestos in your house.

Asbestos containing materials do not usually pose a health risk if they are intact and left undisturbed. 

The use of power tools for cutting, grinding, sanding and sawing or cleaning with high pressure water guns will release asbestos fibres into the air and should therefore be avoided.

The use of asbestos products cannot necessarily be determined by sight. A laboratory examination of a sample is required to identify the presence of asbestos fibres.

Building material that was manufactured prior to 1987 should be regarded as potentially containing asbestos and handled appropriately.

Any person handling asbestos is required to comply with the requirements of the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992.

Under 10m² of asbestos

Asbestos of under ten (10) square metres can be removed without a licence.

Please note the following points and refer to the links below for more information.

• Use adequate personal protective equipment including a respirator (P1 or P2 type), disposable coveralls, safety glasses and disposable gloves.
• Wet the area thoroughly to reduce the number of airborne fibres.
• Do not use power tools to cut through the asbestos.
• Do not use high pressure water hoses or compressed air to clean asbestos sheets.
• Use vacuum equipment designed to extract asbestos fibres or sweep up any dust residues after thoroughly wetting down.
• Thoroughly wet each sheet of asbestos with water.
• Wrap the asbestos in heavy duty black plastic (at least 200 microns), completely seal the package and clearly label the package “CAUTION ASBESTOS”.
• Make sure the asbestos is wrapped in manageable sizes for unloading.

Over 10m² of asbestos

There are serious health implications associated with asbestos and the removal and disposal of asbestos should be undertaken by a professional.

If you are planning on removing over ten (10) square metres of asbestos, you are required to engage a licensed asbestos removalist. 

Where to dispose of asbestos

Small quantities of asbestos can be disposed at the Richardson Road Landfill site, Harvey.

Larger quantities must be directed to the Stanley Road Waste Management Facility. To make an appointment call them on 9797 2404.

More information and contacts

For more information asbestos removal and disposal, please contact us.

Related pages

• Waste management facilities
• Hazardous waste disposal
• Litter and illegal dumping

More asbestos guidance is also available on the Department of Health’s website.