Asbestos was commonly used in building materials from the 1940s until the mid-1990s.
Because exposure to asbestos can cause disease, a national ban on the manufacture, importation and installation of products containing asbestos was introduced from 1 January 2004.
The inhalation of asbestos fibres may result in serious diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer. Because the level of exposure that may cause health problems is unknown, any exposure to asbestos should be avoided. Asbestos may be found either firmly or loosely bound in a number of products once used in the Australian building industry, including:
- roofing and shingles
- under eaves
- exterior wall cladding
- interior walls and wet areas
- fencing
- thermal boards around fireplaces and in switch boards
- backing material on floor tiles and vinyl flooring
- gaskets and seals in wood stoves
- textured paint
- garages and workshops
- the brakes, clutches and gaskets of cars
- insulation used on hot water pipes, hot water cylinders, domestic heaters and stoves
It is estimated that at least one in every three buildings constructed between the 1940’s and 1990’s contain asbestos products.
Asbestos Disposal
Asbestos must not be disposed of at our waste transfer stations. Doing so puts the public at risk.
With approval, asbestos may be disposed of at our landfill site in Zeehan. This disposal follows strict procedures. If you need to dispose of asbestos please read the FAQs below and complete and submit the Landfill Disposal Form:
Useful Information
Ferquently Asked Questions
It is very difficult to identify asbestos by looking at it. If you are uncertain about what a substance is, you should treat it as though it contains asbestos. The only way to be certain is to have a sample analysed by a laboratory. A licensed asbestos removalist could also help identify materials containing asbestos.
Click here for more information on asbestos, asbestos handling and workplace safety management.
It is recommended that you contact a licensed asbestos removalist if you are considering having asbestos removed from your home. Asbestos is dangerous and while it is not illegal for you to remove asbestos from a property that you own, you are strongly advised not to do so unless you have undertaken training and are competent in safe asbestos removal practices.
You must consider your health and safety and the health and safety of other people in the area, including children, and people on neighbouring properties. These people may be exposed to asbestos fibres released during removal works.
Asbestos is classified as a hazardous material, so there are rules about how it can be transported and where it can be disposed of.
Asbestos must not be disposed of at our waste transfer stations. Doing so puts the public at risk.
If you are planning to remove asbestos yourself, you need to contact your local council first.
With approval, asbestos may be disposed of at our landfill site in Zeehan. This disposal follows strict procedures. If you need to dispose of asbestos please complete and submit the Landfill Disposal Form.
We can then tell you about any approvals or permits that are required before you begin, along with our regulations for disposal.
Asbestos waste should be prepared for disposal in accordance with the Safe Work Australia “Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos” (available at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au). This includes:
- Asbestos being double bagged or double wrapped in heavy-duty 200µm (minimum thickness) polythene plastic or bag.
- Use of controlled wetting of the waste to reduce asbestos dust.
- Labelling of the prepared bags with an appropriate warning, clearly stating that they contain asbestos and that dust creation and inhalation should be avoided. For example:
CAUTION – ASBESTOS
DO NOT DAMAGE OR OPEN BAG DO NOT INHALE DUST CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
With permission, asbestos may be able to be disposed of at the West Coast Council Landfill site in Zeehan.
Asbestos must not be disposed of at our waste transfer stations.
Hazardous Land Fill
Asbestos | $410.00 per m3 (min, $110.00) | Inc GST |
If you are planning to remove asbestos yourself, you need to contact your local council first.
Ask for our Infrastructure & Operations Department (contact details are at the bottom of this page).
To speed up the disposal process we recommend completing and submiting the Landfill Disposal Form prior to contacting us.
Disposal of asbestos at the West Coast Landfill Site in Zeehan is only by prior approval and arrangement through the West Coast Council office.
If you are planning to remove asbestos yourself, you need to contact your local council first.
Ask for our Infrastructure & Operations Department (contact details are at the bottom of this page).
To speed up the disposal process we recommend completing and submiting the Landfill Disposal Form prior to contacting us.
Asbestos must not be disposed of at our waste transfer stations.