Asbestos awareness and disposal
Direct exposure to asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can lead to a range of diseases. Asbestos-related diseases are becoming more common in Australia due to exposures during home renovations and maintenance.
If you're a home-owner or renovator, it's important you know how to safely manage asbestos in and around the home.
Where asbestos is found
Asbestos can be found in and around most homes built or renovated before 1987 – whether they're constructed of weatherboard, brick, fibro or have exterior cladding.
Places it's commonly found include:
- kitchens
- bathrooms
- laundries
- under floor covering
- behind wall and floor tiles
- cement floors
- internal and external walls
- garages
- ceilings
- eaves
- fences
- extensions to homes
- backyard sheds.
Visit the Asbestos awareness website to learn more about asbestos, the dangers of disturbing it and how best to manage it.
How to dispose of asbestos
To keep health risks to a minimum, you should consult trained professionals for removal and disposal of asbestos. You can find a list of asbestos removalists on the Asbestos Victoria website.
Certain ACMs are accepted at the Myrtleford and Albury waste disposal facilities. However, we recommend you phone ahead to arrange disposal.
Please note: Council is not licensed or equipped to handle asbestos. We don't accept asbestos or ACMs at any Council waste disposal facilities.
Illegal dumping of asbestos
Dumping asbestos illegally can pose serious health risks.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has established a strike force program to stop this practice. The strike force works with Council and the community to respond to reports of illegal asbestos dumping.
If you're found to have transported or dumped asbestos illegally:
- you'll face heavy fines
- you may need to pay costs associated with its proper disposal.
For more information on the disposal of asbestos, visit the Asbestos Victoria website.
