Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction due to it being lightweight, versatile and fire-resistant. It is present in roughly one-third of Australian homes and can be found in other commercial buildings, infrastructure and farms.
There are two types of asbestos: non-friable (also known as ‘bonded’) and friable. Non-friable asbestos products are chemically blended to a material (i.e. cement), whereas friable asbestos products can be crumbled or reduced to a powder by hand.
We now know that asbestos can be dangerous for your health, which is why it has been banned as a building material in Australia since 2003.
Learn more about where you might find asbestos.
When asbestos is in poor condition or disturbed (such as during building renovations), fibres which are invisible to the naked eye can become airborne and easily inhaled. This can lead to several illnesses, some of which can be life threatening.
However, asbestos-related risks can be safely managed by ensuring correct and safe removal, transportation and disposal procedures are followed.
For enquiries about the potential health effects of exposure to asbestos visit the Department of Health's, Asbestos in the home page.
For enquiries or complaints about the incorrect removal of asbestos from a dwelling or disposal/dumping of asbestos in your neighbourhood contact us or complete an online request.
Before starting any property improvement project, check for asbestos.
Due to its popularity at the time, it is likely that any building constructed or renovated before 1990 contains asbestos. It can be found in any room and structure or outside in fencing, pipes and sheds.
Any property built or renovated before asbestos was banned in 2003 could also contain it.
More information on where to find asbestos and when to remove it.
Asbestos removal should be undertaken only by a licensed removalist. Unlicensed removal of limited amounts of asbestos is permitted in certain circumstances.
For a list of licensed asbestos removalists in your area, complaints regarding work carried out by an asbestos removalist, and enquiries or complaints about asbestos in the workplace visit WorkSafe Victoria.
To find a NATA-accredited laboratory in your area that can test asbestos visit National Association Testing Authorities.
For enquiries or complaints about the incorrect removal of asbestos from a dwelling or disposal/dumping of asbestos in your neighbourhood contact us or complete an online request.
For a list of licensed asbestos disposal sites in your area and enquiries about the correct disposal of asbestos-containing materials, visit the EPA website.
Dispose of asbestos at the Castlemaine Transfer Station
Castlemaine Transfer Station is an Asbestos Disposal Point (ADP). This means the site includes a fit-for-purpose bin that temporarily stores asbestos waste. Once the bin reaches storage limits, the waste will be sealed and transported to a licensed landfill for final disposal.
Who can use the Asbestos Disposal Point (ADP)?
Anyone can use the site if they make a booking and follow packaging, transport and onsite disposal requirements. Asbestos disposal fees apply.
How to use the ADP?
There are strict safety guidelines on how to use the Asbestos Disposal Point.
Download the Asbestos disposal step-by-step guide which includes information on how to safely and legally package asbestos for transport and disposal.
What is accepted at the ADP?
- Non-friable or ‘bonded’ asbestos – these products are usually mixed with cement or a similar material and include asbestos cement sheeting (also known as ‘fibro’ or ‘AC Sheeting’), roof tiles, eaves, fencing, pipes, etc.
- Correctly packaged asbestos – asbestos waste must be double wrapped, sealed and labelled in heavy duty (minimum of 0.2mm thickness) HDPE plastic sheeting or specialised asbestos bags.
What is not accepted at the ADP?
- Friable, or ‘dusty’ asbestos products – these products are generally quite loose and, when dry, can be crumbled into fine material or dust with light pressure. They include items such as vinyl sheet flooring with asbestos backing or fire damaged, non-friable asbestos.
- Friable asbestos is extremely hazardous. If you find friable asbestos in a workplace it must only be removed by a licensed removalist (Class A). If you find it in your home, it is highly recommended that you contact a licensed removalist (Class A) to do the removal and disposal. To find a Class A removalist go to asbestos.vic.gov.au.
- Asbestos-contaminated soils
- Asbestos with incorrect or damaged packaging.
Please note: Asbestos waste that is incorrectly packaged will be rejected. The customer will be required to leave the site, re-package the load correctly and book a future disposal appointment. Customers are responsible for lawfully managing their asbestos loads.