Safe asbestos disposal point

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction due to it being lightweight, versatile and fire-resistant.

Asbestos was commonly used in Australia for construction before it was banned in 2003 as we now know that it can be dangerous for your health.  Asbestos is still present in many homes, commercial buildings and farms. That’s why it’s important to have waste facilities to dispose of it safely.

There are two types of asbestos:

• Non-friable (also known as ‘bonded’) products: are chemically blended to a material (i.e., cement).
• Friable, or ‘dusty’ products: are generally quite loose and, when dry, can be crumbled into fine material or dust with light pressure. They include items such as asbestos backing (a thin, soft layer) sometimes found under vinyl sheet flooring or non-friable asbestos that has been fire damaged.

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.

Asbestos is present in roughly one third of Australian homes and can be found in other commercial buildings, infrastructure and farms.

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.

For more information on where to find asbestos and how to safely remove it, visit the Asbestos in Victoria website.

It is strongly recommended that you use a licensed asbestos removalist for the safe removal of any form of asbestos.

If you choose to remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos from your home yourself, you must strictly follow safety guidelines outlined on this page to keep you and the community safe. You need to understand the risks and take the necessary precautions.

Friable or ‘dusty’ asbestos material must only be removed by engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist. For more information about safe removal and how to contact a specialist visit the Asbestos in Victoria website.

If you are a tradesperson, you must follow OHS regulations which may include the limited asbestos removal regulations. For more information about safe asbestos removal and your responsibilities, visit WorkSafe Victoria's Asbestos page.

Asbestos must be disposed of at a facility that is approved to receive asbestos.

Asbestos must never be dumped in kerbside bins or public places—it’s illegal and can result in significant penalties.

Everyone has a duty to reduce risk to human health and the environment from pollution and waste as per the Environmental Protection Act 2017. 

When it comes to the safe management of asbestos waste, we all have a part to play. If you, or someone you know needs to remove or dispose of asbestos waste, contacting a licensed removalist is strongly recommended. For more information on how to contact a licensed removalist visit the Asbestos in Victoria website.

If you see dumped waste (particularly construction waste) in your community, please contact your local council or EPA Victoria’s pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.

It’s important that in Victoria, we have conveniently located facilities for the safe disposal of materials containing asbestos.

The facilities help support the gradual and safe removal of this legacy waste from our built environment.

Previously, people in the area who wanted to dispose of small quantities of asbestos had to drive a long distance to an EPA Victoria permitted transfer station or landfill.

The safe asbestos disposal point at the Romsey Resource Recovery Facility provides a safe, local disposal option for small quantities of correctly packaged, non-friable asbestos waste.

On site, the asbestos waste is temporarily stored in a fit-for-purpose bin, prior to being transported to a licensed landfill for safe final disposal.

The asbestos disposal point was developed using insights from Sustainability Victoria’s pilot program, which supported the rollout of three regional sites.

Experts, regulators and stakeholders were consulted to ensure safe and compliant operations.

This initiative aligns with Council Plan objectives and our Waste and Resource Recovery Management Strategy 2021-2026.

Trades, householders and asbestos removalists can use the asbestos disposal point if they make a booking and strictly follow packaging, transport and onsite disposal requirements as outlined on this page.

Disposal fees apply.

The site only accepts loads that meet all three of the following requirements.

• Non-friable asbestos or ‘bonded’ asbestos only - such as asbestos cement sheeting, roof tiles, eaves, fencing, pipes etc.
• Small quantities – under 10 square metres or less than 120kgs. Individual packages should not weigh more than 20kgs.
• Packaged correctly – asbestos must be double wrapped, sealed and labelled in heavy duty (minimum of 0.2mm/200-micron thickness) HDPE plastic sheeting or double-bagged in specialised asbestos bags (minimum of 0.2mm/200-micron thickness).

The site does not accept under any circumstances:

• Friable, or ‘dusty’ asbestos products
• Asbestos-contaminated soils or asbestos-contaminated dust
• Asbestos with incorrect or damaged packaging

Safety reminder: Friable asbestos is extremely hazardous. 

The asbestos disposal point is only available on specific days and times.

You must book a time slot before bringing asbestos to the site. Bookings are essential.

Customers must package asbestos loads correctly prior to travelling to and attending the Asbestos Disposal Point.

Asbestos waste that is incorrectly packaged will be rejected and the customer will have to complete a new registration and package the waste appropriately. 

Follow the instructions above for more information on how to safely package asbestos for transport and disposal.

The safety of the local community, customers, and site operators is of top priority for Council. Not only does the site provide a safe place to dispose of asbestos, but it is also be managed in line with strict environmental and OHS regulations to help keep you and the community safe.

The disposal point is approved by the EPA Victoria to temporarily store small quantities of packaged, non-friable asbestos waste safely.

The area is fenced and has a weather-proof, fit for purpose bin.

Once the bin reaches storage limits the waste is completely sealed and transported to an EPA Victoria licensed landfill for final disposal.

The site operators are supported by management with the provision of appropriate training, clear procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination equipment, (in the unlikely event of an emergency), to prevent any potential harm from asbestos fibres.