Where Can Asbestos Be Disposed Of? Your Guide to Safe Disposal Methods
Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that poses significant risks to personal health and the environment. It’s for this reason that it must be disposed of in line with the relevant regulations at an approved disposal facility.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about asbestos disposal, from the correct handling procedures, the cost of disposal and where to dispose of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Why asbestos disposal matters
Asbestos exposure comes with significant health risks. Damaged or disturbed ACMs release airborne fibres that can be easily inhaled. Over time, asbestos exposure can damage the lung tissue, leading to severe and irreversible diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. It’s for this reason that it can’t be disposed of in your regular kerbside general waste or a skip bin. Instead, asbestos must be handled correctly and disposed of at an approved facility.
In the interest of public and environmental safety, asbestos removal and disposal are heavily regulated under state and territory law. Improper disposal of ACMs comes with severe legal consequences, including:
- Significant financial penalties for individuals and corporations.
- Criminal convictions, especially for repeat or deliberate breaches.
- Additional costs, such as clean-up expenses and potential compensation.
- Loss of licence or accreditation for professionals or businesses.
How asbestos must be handled before disposal
In addition to ensuring the correct disposal of ACMs, asbestos must be handled correctly before disposal to comply with safety and legal requirements. While these steps apply to both bonded and friable asbestos, friable asbestos requires stricter controls and removal by licensed professionals.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key asbestos handling requirements.
Step 1: Identification and risk assessment
Before removing ACMs, it’s essential to complete asbestos testing to determine whether you’re working with friable or bonded asbestos. From here, your licensed asbestos professional will complete an asbestos removal risk assessment prior to removal, which is mandatory under Queensland WHS laws.
Step 2: Confirm licensing requirements
Asbestos removalists must carry the relevant license to remove ACMs:
- Class A licence: Required to remove friable asbestos or conduct large-scale removal.
- Class B licence: Required to remove bonded asbestos over 10 square metres.
Depending on where you live, homeowners can legally remove small amounts of non-friable asbestos. That said, we always recommend you engage an asbestos specialist for all of your removal needs.
Step 3: Prepare the site
Once the asbestos has been identified and the risk assessment completed, your asbestos removal specialist will notify WorkSafe Queensland before the removal works start. To prepare the site, the contaminated area will be isolated with barriers, signage and restricted access to minimise exposure. Ventilation systems will be installed to prevent fibres from spreading and the removalists will use specific personal protective equipment (PPE), like disposable coveralls and P2 respirator masks, to protect themselves.
Step 4: Ensure safe removal principles
During the removal process, your team will use certified methods and cutting-edge equipment to safely remove the ACMs. This often involves using a wet spray method to suppress the release of asbestos fibres. If possible, the team will remove the sheets whole to avoid breaking them up.
Step 5: Correct wrapping and labelling
Once the ACMs have been removed, they should be double wrapped in 6-mil (200 micron) thick plastic sheeting or bags and securely sealed with strong tape. These packages must be clearly labelled with an appropriate warning before being disposed of at an approved waste management facility.
Where to dispose of asbestos in Queensland (Sunshine Coast and Brisbane)
Not all tips accept asbestos, so it’s important to find a licensed asbestos waste facility. On the Sunshine Coast, the Nambour Resource Recovery Centre accepts asbestos waste so long as you provide 48 hours’ notice and complete a disposal of asbestos application form. Disposal costs include a $50 application fee, and is charged at $140 per tonne or cubic metre with a $12 minimum fee. There’s also a $250 management fee for incorrectly disposed asbestos.
In Brisbane, asbestos can be disposed of at several approved facilities, including the Birkdale Waste Transfer Station. While this facility doesn’t require prior notification, there is a quantity limit of 10m2 or 175kg per load of asbestos. Disposal costs $997.00 per tonne (minimum charge $150), with a $306 fee for incorrectly disposed asbestos waste.
Most approved disposal facilities require you to pre-book to dispose of asbestos waste. There are also often requirements around the quantity of waste you can dispose and how it’s handled, labelled and transported to the disposal site.
Costs involved in disposal
Disposal fees tend to vary across different waste facilities. That said, most facilities will charge by weight with a minimum fee.
While disposal fees can vary significantly depending on the facility, most facilities impose fees for improper packaging, incorrect disposal or even a lack of booking. In some cases, the facility can even refuse to accept the asbestos waste if you haven’t followed their disposal requirements.
Why you should leave it to the pros
Asbestos removal is risky, messy and legally complex to navigate from a DIY perspective. With this in mind, it’s often easier (and safer) to leave it to the pros. Professional asbestos removalists:
- Handle everything from removal to disposal.
- Have the correct licences, PPE, transport and disposal protocols.
- Ensure full compliance with QLD regulations.
Besides providing a complete asbestos removal and disposal service, the team at Adios Asbestos can provide transparent pricing and free advice to ensure your peace of mind.
Trust Adios Asbestos for safe asbestos disposal
At Adios Asbestos, our team is fully licensed and insured to take care of bonded and friable asbestos removal. We follow a trusted, step-by-step approach to ensure every project is carried out safely, efficiently and to the highest quality, covering everything from secure transport to fully compliant asbestos disposal. With extensive experience across projects of all sizes, we also offer clearance certificates and air monitoring services for larger jobs.
Servicing the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the surrounding regions, we understand local council and EPA requirements when it comes to asbestos removal and disposal. Contact us today for a free quote or advice about asbestos removal and management.
