Free asbestos disposal coming to NSW

NSW households will soon be able to have asbestos waste picked up and disposed of for free under a new government trial.

The Minns government has announced a $16 million package of asbestos reforms, including a two-year trial that will offer free household asbestos collection and disposal from next year.

The initiative forms part of the new NSW Asbestos Plan of Action, developed in response to recommendations from the NSW Chief Scientist's review into asbestos in the waste stream.

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe says the reforms aim to reduce illegal dumping, improve worker safety and make it easier for families renovating older homes to dispose of asbestos correctly.

"One in three houses built before 1990 contains asbestos - that's why it's important to make it cheaper and easier for NSW families to dispose of these materials," Sharpe says.

"To avoid the looming waste crisis in NSW, we need to increase resource recovery and reduce barriers to safely disposing of problematic waste types, like asbestos."

The government says illegal dumping costs councils millions of dollars each year, with asbestos waste frequently found among dumped materials because of disposal costs and confusion about where it can legally be taken.

Here's what the new scheme means for homeowners, and how to identify, manage and safely dispose of asbestos when renovating.

Free asbestos disposal trial: what homeowners need to know

Under the reforms:

• NSW is investing $16 million in asbestos management initiatives.
• $9 million will fund a two-year free household asbestos collection and disposal trial.
• The service is expected to begin next year.
• New controls, training requirements and supply-chain safeguards will be introduced across the asbestos waste sector.
• The reforms aim to reduce illegal dumping and improve safety for workers and the community.

The NSW Asbestos Plan of Action is available on the EPA website.

"We're acting upon recommendations to tighten the entire supply chain - making sure it is safer for workers, better for industry and trusted by the community," says Sharpe.

Why asbestos remains a major concern

Asbestos may have been banned, but it remains present in millions of Australian homes.

In fact, the NSW government says one in three homes built before 1990 is estimated to contain asbestos-containing materials.

Kim Brislane, chief executive of the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, says the health risks remain significant.

"Over 4000 Australians die each year from historical exposure to asbestos so we must be vigilant about the risk of asbestos and take precautions when it is detected in the workplace or the home."

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibres can become airborne and be inhaled, increasing the risk of serious diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of microscopic fibres.

It was widely used in more than 3000 building products throughout the 20th century because it was cheap, durable and resistant to heat and fire.

While sealed asbestos in good condition generally presents a low risk, problems can arise when materials are damaged, deteriorate with age or are disturbed during renovations.

How can I tell if my home contains asbestos?

If your home was built or renovated before 1990, there's a reasonable chance asbestos may be present somewhere on the property.

Common locations include:

Inside the home

• Wall and ceiling sheeting
• Bathroom linings
• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
• Carpet underlays
• Insulation
• Fireplace flues
• Lagging around hot-water pipes

Outside the home

• Fibro wall sheeting
• Roofing
• Eaves
• Fencing
• Gutters and downpipes
• Garages and sheds
• Concrete paths

What does asbestos look like?

Asbestos cannot usually be identified by appearance alone.

Fibro sheeting, old vinyl floor tiles, roofing and insulation may contain asbestos, but laboratory testing or professional assessment is often required for confirmation.

Is asbestos always dangerous?

Not necessarily.

Asbestos in good condition that remains sealed and undisturbed is generally considered low risk.

The danger increases when asbestos-containing materials are:

• Cut
• Drilled
• Sanded
• Sawed
• Demolished
• Scraped
• Broken
• Weathered and deteriorating

These activities can release fibres into the air, creating a health risk for anyone nearby.

Should I get an asbestos inspection before renovating?

If you suspect asbestos is present, experts recommend arranging an inspection by a licensed asbestos assessor.

An asbestos identification report can help determine:

• Whether asbestos is present
• What type of asbestos-containing material is involved
• Whether removal is necessary
• How it can be safely managed

For buyers considering an older property, an asbestos inspection before purchase may help avoid costly surprises later.

Can I remove asbestos myself?

In most Australian states and territories, homeowners can remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos themselves.

However, stricter rules apply to larger quantities and higher-risk materials.

• Friable asbestos must be handled by licensed professionals.
• Larger quantities generally require a licensed asbestos removalist.
• Disposal requirements vary depending on where you live.

Before attempting any DIY removal, check the rules that apply in your state or territory and consult SafeWork guidance.

How much does asbestos removal cost?

The cost of asbestos removal depends on:

• The amount of asbestos involved.
• Whether it is friable or non-friable.
• Ease of access.
• Removal and disposal requirements.

For NSW homeowners, the new free collection trial could significantly reduce disposal costs and remove a major barrier to legal disposal.

How to stay safe during renovations

If your home may contain asbestos:

• Have suspect materials assessed before renovation work begins.
• Use licensed removalists where required.
• Follow all disposal requirements.
• Keep asbestos materials sealed and undisturbed if they are in good condition.

Do not:

• Cut asbestos-containing materials.
• Drill asbestos-containing materials.
• Sand or saw asbestos-containing materials.
• Pressure-clean asbestos surfaces.
• Place asbestos in household rubbish bins.
• Dump asbestos waste illegally.

The bottom line

The NSW government's new free asbestos collection and disposal trial could make renovating older homes safer and more affordable.

But while the new service may reduce disposal costs, the health risks associated with asbestos remain unchanged.

With one in three pre-1990 homes estimated to contain asbestos, identifying the material early and handling it correctly continues to be one of the most important steps homeowners can take to protect themselves, their families and tradespeople working on their property.

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