Asbestos

Asbestos fibres pose a serious health risk when inhaled, particularly because they can be microscopic and not easily visible. Due to these dangers, asbestos is classified as regulated waste under the Queensland Environmental Protection Regulation 2008. Incorrect handling, removal, or transportation of asbestos can lead to penalties, including refusal of disposal at waste facilities and possible reporting to authorities for illegal handling.

What Materials Contain Asbestos?

The following materials should always be treated as though they contain asbestos:

  • Fibro and Cement Sheeting (e.g., fencing, exterior and interior wall cladding)
  • Vinyl Floor Sheeting and Vinyl Tiles
  • Water or Flue Pipes and other asbestos-bonded products manufactured before 1990

As it’s not always possible to visually identify asbestos, if you’re unsure whether a material contains asbestos, you can have it tested by a NATA-approved laboratory or dispose of it as though it does.

Asbestos Disposal Fees

Disposal fees for asbestos are outlined in Waste Fees and Charges – Gympie Regional Council.

Types of Asbestos

  • Non-Friable Asbestos: Commonly found in cement sheeting, vinyl floor tiles, and certain pipes. If undisturbed, non-friable asbestos presents minimal health risks.
  • Friable Asbestos: Found in insulation, pipe lagging, and asbestos-backed vinyl tiles. This type of asbestos presents a much greater health risk if disturbed.

Who can remove and transport asbestos?

  • Licensed Contractors: Only licensed contractors can remove and transport:
    • Non-commercial, non-friable asbestos weighing 250 kilograms or more
    • Any amount of commercial non-friable asbestos
    • Any amount of friable asbestos
  • Homeowners: Homeowners can remove and transport:
    • Up to 250 kilograms of non-friable asbestos without needing a certificate.
    • If transporting less than 175 kilograms of non-friable asbestos, homeowners do not require an environmental authority for transport. However, waste tracking documentation is required for loads over 175 kilograms.

Asbestos waste must be:

  • Sealed in LDPE bags no larger than 1.2m in height, 0.9m in width, and weighing no more than 25kg per bag.
  • Clearly labelled and placed in designated areas to prevent rupture.
  • Unloading by tipping from vehicles with tipping bodies is not permitted.

Disposal Requirements

To safely dispose of asbestos, please ensure the following guidelines are met:

  • Packaging: Wet down asbestos waste and double-wrap it in 0.2mm thick low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets. Seal with adhesive tape.
  • Labelling: Clearly mark each package with “CAUTION ASBESTOS” in letters no smaller than 40mm in height.
  • Transport: Ensure that the asbestos is securely stowed during transport to prevent rupture.

Disposal Procedure

Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at the below waste facility:

  • Gympie Waste Management Facility (Bonnick Road, Gympie): Monday to Friday between 8.00am – 8.45am, 9.30am – 11.45am and 1.30pm - 2.30pm.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Asbestos that is improperly packaged or unloaded will not be accepted. If waste facility staff determine that the load cannot be safely unloaded, the driver will be asked to leave the site. Repeated non-compliance may result in refusal of future asbestos disposal services.

Council takes non-compliance seriously. Details of vehicles or loads that fail to meet the required standards will be recorded and may be reported to the relevant authorities.

For more information or if you have any questions about asbestos disposal, please contact Council 1300 307 800.

Back to top