Household asbestos disposal scheme extended

Household asbestos disposal scheme extended - 14 July 2015

Wagga Wagga City Council is pleased to announce that the Household Asbestos Disposal Scheme has been extended for another six months.

This means that residents in the Local Government Area have until the end of December 2015 to be able to register to be part of the scheme, which will allow them to dispose of asbestos from their property for free, provided certain conditions are met.

Council was successful in securing grant funding through the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to participate in the scheme, which is part of the NSW Government’s $465 million dollar Waste Less, Recycle More initiative.

“The scheme aims to make the disposal of small amounts of asbestos from home demolition or renovation jobs easier and cheaper for householders,” Director Infrastructure Services Heinz Kausche said.

“It applies to bonded asbestos only, not friable materials, such as asbestos contaminated soils and insulation.”

Once registered the scheme allows two options for the removal of asbestos from their property.

“Householders can engage a licensed Workcover contractor to remove a maximum of 5 tonnes of asbestos, once only, from their property,” Mr Kausche explained.

“The licensed contractor will then be required to dispose of the asbestos at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre which is the only waste facility in the LGA licensed to accepted asbestos waste.

“The second option is that householders, in accordance with Workcover Guidelines, can remove up to 10m2 of bonded asbestos themselves, ensuring Work, Health & Safety guidelines are followed. Householders will be required to pre-purchase an asbestos removal kit from Council which contains all the necessary personal protective equipment & bags to ensure the removal work can be completed safely.

“The bonded asbestos must be disposed of, along with the kit, at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre, ensuring that all conditions have been met to guarantee free disposal.”

The Householders Asbestos Disposal Trial Scheme provides a significant opportunity for householders to cost effectively and safely remove asbestos from their homes.

It is anticipated the scheme will help reduce exposure to asbestos fibres and combat illegal dumping of asbestos materials within our local government area. For further information contact Wagga Wagga City Council on 1300 292 442 or visit our website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/asbestos

This trial is supported by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority with funding from the waste levy.