Find out about asbestos disposal requirements and locations.
About asbestos
Asbestos is the name for a range of naturally occurring minerals. As they are resistant to high temperatures, fire and have good insulating properties, they have been used in the building industry and found in various building materials such as insulation, cement pipes, floor tiles, roofing, fences and textured paints.
The use of asbestos building materials was most prominent in Australia from the 1940s to the late 1980s. While no longer used, there are properties where asbestos materials are still present.
Asbestos removal and disposal
Asbestos is a hazardous material and must be handled with caution to minimise the release of potentially harmful fibres which pose a risk to health when asbestos fibres are breathed in. If you are unsure whether a product in your home contains asbestos, it is best to treat it as if it does.
Requirements for the safe removal include:
- Asbestos cement sheets should be kept wet with water, or other practical measures should be taken to keep airborne material containing asbestos to a minimum during removal.
- Use only non-powered hand tools or portable power tools fitted with dust suppression or dust extraction attachments designed to collect asbestos fibres.
- Care must be taken when removing asbestos cement products to ensure minimal breakage. Roofing materials must be lowered to the ground, not dropped.
- Sheets must not be left lying about where they may be further broken or crushed.
- Removed sheets are to be stacked on polythene sheeting, then wrapped and sealed into bundles for disposal, or placed directly into disposal bins that have been lined with polythene sheeting, and then sealed for disposal.
- When stacking removed sheets, care must be taken not to slide one sheet over another, as this will result in the release of fibres.
- Any visible asbestos cement residue remaining in the roof space, in the roof gutters, or within the removal area is to be cleaned up using a vacuum cleaner which complies with the Class H requirements as per the Standards AS/NZS 60335.2.69. A domestic vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is inadequate.
Anyone removing asbestos cement products must comply with the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992. It is recommended to engage a licensed professional to remove and dispose of asbestos cement products. Find licensed contractors via the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Persons who are commercially engaged to handle asbestos, including a contractor on a private residential property, are also required to comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2020. For full requirements visit the WorkSafe website.
Material containing asbestos must be:
- Separated from all other waste. Wrapped in heavy-duty plastic to prevent asbestos fibres entering the atmosphere during transportation.
- Clearly labelled and marked ‘CAUTION ASBESTOS’ in letters at least 5cm high.
Disposal location
The nearest facility that will accept asbestos waste is Tamala Park, Marmion Avenue, Mindarie.
Disposal fees
- Fees apply Monday to Saturday.
- A maximum of 165kg (approx. 3 – 4 fencing sheets) can be dropped off for free on Sundays. This quantity of asbestos is in line with the commercial guidelines for safe disposal without a licence. Residents are welcome to make multiple visits, up to a maximum of five times. However, after the fifth visit, the MRC retains the authority to decline entry and/or apply charges. In cases where the asbestos load exceeds 165kg, the initial 165kg will remain free, and any additional kilograms will be subject to the standard asbestos disposal rate.
- To find out more information please visit the Tamala Park website.
Within the metropolitan area asbestos waste must be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004.
The use of high-pressure equipment to clean materials that contain asbestos is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of compressed air or high-pressure water jets. It is an offence to sell, swap, give away or supply second hand asbestos cement sheeting.
More information and FAQs
Visit the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for more advice and guidance on asbestos.