Community
12 July, 2024
Asbestos trial
SMALL quantities of packaged, bonded asbestos waste can now be taken to WestVic Waste and Recycling in Warrnambool as part of a state-wide pilot program.
The business, located in Hammond Place, has established an asbestos disposal point as part of Sustainability Victoria’s pilot program trialling the infrastructure and systems needed to support safe and convenient asbestos disposal options for local communities.
The site has been designed to temporarily store asbestos safely prior to transporting it to a landfill for final disposal.
Trades, householders and licensed asbestos removalists will be able to dispose of asbestos for a fee by making a booking at www.westvicwaste.com/asbestos-disposal-point or calling 5561 3133.
Previously a popular building material in Australia, asbestos waste that is dumped in public spaces, or in kerbside bins, may be harmful and is a cost to the local community and businesses.
According to Sustainability Victoria’s chief executive officer, Matt Genever, it is important to have conveniently located facilities across Victoria for the safe disposal of materials containing asbestos.
“These facilities, such as the one now at WestVic Waste and Recycling, will help support the gradual and safe removal of this legacy waste from our buildings and environment,” Mr Genever said.
“Currently people in the Warrnambool area who want to dispose of asbestos must drive over an hour away which is why we’re piloting a new solution with WestVic to provide a local option for the safe disposal of asbestos.”
Technical specialists, EPA Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria and other stakeholder groups were consulted during the development of the pilot program.
To support the pilot, guidance and procedures have been produced to assist the site manage asbestos waste safely while complying with relevant legislation and regulations.
Brant Murrihy, WestVic’s director, believes the disposal point will help support the local community to dispose of asbestos safely.
“As a locally owned and operated business with experience in managing waste and asbestos, WestVic’s transfer station presents a convenient and safe location for asbestos disposal in Warrnambool,” Mr Murrihy said.
“The disposal point will only accept small quantities (under 10 square metres or less than 125 kilograms) of non-friable asbestos waste that’s been correctly packaged.”
This includes materials such as cement sheeting, also known as AC sheeting or fibro.
Once delivered, the asbestos waste is stored in a secure area equipped with a covered bin to keep site workers and customers safe.
When the bin reaches storage limits, the waste will be transported to an EPA Victoria licensed landfill for final disposal.
“With asbestos present in roughly one third of Australian homes, the safe removal of asbestos from a building is just as important as safe disposal,” Mr Genever said.
“It’s important to remember that any building constructed before 1990 will likely contain asbestos so before even starting any home or yard renovation projects, check for asbestos.”
Anyone who finds asbestos is encouraged to contact a licensed asbestos removalist to help keep themselves and their community safe.
To make a booking to use the asbestos disposal point and for more information on disposal fees and how to package, transport and dispose of asbestos safely, call 5561 3133 or visit www.westvicwaste.com/asbestos-disposal-point.
For more information about identifying and removing asbestos safely or to find a licensed asbestos removalist, visit asbestos.vic.gov.au.
