What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name used for a group of naturally occurring minerals. They have resistance to high temperatures and fire making them effective insulators which were popular in building products in Australia from the 1940’s to 1987. Products containing asbestos were phased out during the 1980’s. A national ban on asbestos, its importation and all products containing asbestos came into effect at the end of 2003.
Asbestos fibres are easily breathed in where they can become trapped in the lungs. Being exposed to asbestos increases the risk of developing cancers of the lung and larynx as well as mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung). These cancers often develop decades after exposure to asbestos.
What is Council’s role?
Muswellbrook Shire Council provides several different services in relation to advice, regulation, remediation and management of asbestos, within the council area. These services include:
- regulation of building and demolition work on private land through conditions of development consent
- advice regarding land contamination matters and remediation proposals on private land
- investigation and regulation of illegally dumped Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) on public and private land
- providing general asbestos information and awareness to the public
Asbestos Videos
The following videos provide general asbestos safety information, including specific information relating to some common Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM).
Further Information
For information about asbestos, its risks and what to do if you find it in your home, please visit the NSW Government’s Asbestos Website: https://www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/
The NSW Government’s Asbestos Website has lots of information relating to asbestos including:
- what is asbestos
- identifying asbestos
- asbestos advice for DIY-ers
- asbestos advice from tradies
- health risks
- safety information
- removal and disposal
Asbestos Disposal at Muswellbrook Waste & Recycling Facility
Asbestos disposal is only available by prior arrangement with Muswellbrook Waste & Recycling Facility (MWRF). To book an appointment, complete the form available below and return to MWRF using the contact details listed on the form. Appointments must be confirmed by MWRF before arrival to site.
Fees apply for asbestos disposal – check Council’s Fees & Charges document for current fees.
Quantities of asbestos waste above 100kg or greater than 10m² must be removed by a NSW workcover licenced asbestos removalist and registered for transport using Waste Locate.
All asbestos waste must be presented for disposal and unloaded by the transporter in a manner which avoids the creation of dust and the rupturing of the bags or wrapping.
It is the responsibility of the transporter to deposit the asbestos waste on the ground at the correct location and with bundles intact and to make sure that they have enough staff members present for the unloading of the asbestos waste. All parties must comply with directions given by MWRF staff.
You must keep your appointment time and you must notify MWRF on 02 6549 3852 if you wish to reschedule your appointment to ascertain a suitable time.
Asbestos waste will not be accepted outside stated hours or if you do not reschedule a missed appointment time.
Landfill access cannot be guaranteed in wet conditions.
Download the Asbestos Disposal Appointment Booking form
Return your completed form to Muswellbrook Shire Council using the contact details listed on the form.
Appointments must be confirmed by Muswellbrook Waste & Recycling Facility before arrival to site. Minimum 24 hours notice is required for all bookings.
Appointments for asbestos loads greater than 10m2 or 100kg will NOT be granted without a WasteLocate Consignment ID.
WasteLocate
Under clauses 76 and 79 of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014, waste operators, transporters, and waste and recycling facilities must provide information to the EPA when consigning, transporting or accepting more than 100 kilograms of asbestos waste, or more than 10 square metres of waste asbestos sheeting, in any single load.
If you are removing and transporting more than 100kg or 10m² of asbestos waste, you must use WasteLocate. This includes unlicensed asbestos removal and licensed asbestos removalists.
The Integrated Waste Tracking Solution (IWTS) will replace WasteLocate to track and report asbestos movements on Wednesday 14 February 2024.
From 14 February, you must use the IWTS to meet reporting obligations as set out in the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014. Until 14 February, you should continue to use WasteLocate.
Relevant links:
