Asbestos is a deadly material and
inhalation of asbestos fibres has been proven to cause
asbestosis, mesothelioma and cancer.
Asbestos cement (or AC Sheet) is
regularly encountered during demolition of houses built
prior to 1987. Asbestos cement sheeting and normal Fibro
can only be identified by trained experts, If you are
concerned that you may have asbestos, contact Council and
request the assistance of a Public Health Inspector.
Insulation material in older buildings
may also consist of fibrous asbestos material, (friable
asbestos). If you need to dispose of friable asbestos,
contact Council for further information on the number below.
There are stringent guidelines
controlling demolition of buildings, which contain
asbestos. Contact WorkCover for advice regarding demolition
of buildings or if you need a licensed demolition
contractor.
Disposal of asbestos waste is
controlled by EPA Guidelines.
In Bega Valley Shire asbestos may be
disposed of by appointment at Pambula Landfill. The cost is
$187 per cubic metre. Prior to payment the Disposal of
Asbestos form must be completed. Payments may be made at
any Council office and bookings are to be arranged through
Council’s Waste Operations Officer. During peak holiday
periods bookings may be required to be up to a week in
advance.
Asbestos must be presented in a
non-hazardous manner at Pambula Landfill. To contain the
hazards of inhaling asbestos fibres, the material must be
wrapped in heavy duty plastic in portions that may be
unloaded manually. Council staff supervising the site will
not permit loads of asbestos waste to be tipped from any
vehicle.
If these requirements are not followed
when attending Pambula Landfill you may be liable for
penalties of up to $1,500 per individual and $5,000 for
corporations.
