Safe Disposal of Asbestos

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Published
24th September 2024

NIRC has recently found asbestos dumped in a public area and urges residents and businesses to consider public health when disposing of this material.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses serious health risks if fibres become airborne.  Exposure can be extremely dangerous to human health and for this reason, there are specific requirements when disposing of asbestos.

The product was commonly used in building materials from around the 1940s to the late 1980s, both in domestic residences and other structures, and in some plant and machinery. It can still be found in roofing, guttering and downpipes, external and internal cladding, fencing, flooring, electrical and drainage equipment from buildings constructed during the years mentioned above.

On Norfolk Island, the Waste Management Centre (WMC) is tasked with storing and exporting asbestos using proper disposal methods.  Everyone on the island should be aware that the material must be packaged appropriately, in line with the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) permit for export.

If you are disposing of asbestos, you must ensure it has been packaged appropriately before delivering to the WMC. Upon arrival, WMC staff will inspect and measure the box/bags containing the asbestos waste in order to issue an invoice. The disposal fee for asbestos is included in NIRC's Operational Plan - Fees and Charges which can be found on Council’s website.  Packaging requirements are shown below:

  • Double-wrapped in 200um plastic and contained in 200um plastic lined plywood crates, securely strapped.
  • Crates must be made of 18mm marine plywood.
  • Enclosed in transport-approved asbestos hazbags rated up to 1.5 tonnes and securely strapped to wooden pallets.
  • Packages must not exceed a maximum size of 2700mm in length and 1200mm in width.
  • Labelled with stickers of at least 75mm x 90mm in size, displaying the following warning: "CAUTION ASBESTOS. DO NOT OPEN OR DAMAGE BAG. DO NOT INHALE DUST."

For further information on asbestos waste disposal, contact Paul Anderson on 53280 or paul.anderson@nirc.gov.nf.

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