Asbestos

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos was widely used in Australian homes and buildings before the 1990s because of its strength, durability, and fire resistance.

When asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and left undisturbed, they generally present a low risk. However, when they are broken, cut, drilled, sanded, or damaged, they can release tiny fibres into the air that can be harmful to human health.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Breathing asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases, including: Asbestosis, Lung cancer and Mesothelioma.

For this reason, asbestos must be handled, transported, and disposed of carefully and in accordance with Queensland Government requirements.

Where Can Asbestos Be Found?

Asbestos may be present in:

• Fibro cement walls and cladding
• Roofing sheets
• Fences
• Eaves and soffits
• Garages and sheds
• Water pipes
• Other building materials installed before 1990

If you are renovating, repairing, or demolishing a building and suspect asbestos may be present, stop work and seek professional advice.

Important for Home Renovations

If you are carrying out renovation or demolition work on your property, you must separate asbestos from all other materials.

Asbestos must never be mixed with:

• Timber
• Metal
• Concrete
• Plasterboard
• General waste
• Green waste

All asbestos-containing materials must be separated from other waste streams before arriving at the landfill.

Residents must contact Barcaldine Regional Council before bringing asbestos to the landfill. This allows Council staff to confirm acceptance requirements, arrange access to the regulated waste area, ensure all documentation is completed, and provide guidance on safe disposal procedures.

How to Package Asbestos Correctly

All asbestos waste must be:

• Double wrapped in heavy-duty plastic (minimum 200 micron)
• Completely sealed with strong tape
• Clearly labelled as ASBESTOS
• Kept damp during handling where practical

Loose asbestos will not be accepted.

Damaged or poorly wrapped packages may be rejected.

Disposal at the Landfill

When you arrive at the landfill, report to the landfill operator and follow all instructions provided by Council staff. Complete any required paperwork and proceed only to the designated regulated waste disposal area.

Residents are responsible for unloading their own asbestos waste. Council staff will supervise the disposal process and provide directions, but they will not handle or unload asbestos materials on behalf of residents.

For this reason, all asbestos must be properly wrapped and packaged before arriving at the landfill. Poorly packaged materials create a safety risk and may not be accepted.

Asbestos is only accepted at the following Council facilities:

Residents and contractors must contact Council before transporting asbestos to any of these facilities. Advance notice may be required to arrange access, verify packaging requirements, and ensure the disposal area is available.

Please note that Barcaldine Regional Council only accepts asbestos generated within the Barcaldine Regional Council area. Asbestos originating from other local government areas will not be accepted.

All asbestos must be correctly packaged, labelled, and transported in accordance with Queensland Government requirements and Council procedures. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the load being rejected.

Please contact Council before transporting any asbestos waste.

Barcaldine Regional Council

Phone: (07) 4651 5600

Email: council@barc.qld.gov.au,  waste@barc.qld.gov.au

More info: ASBESTOS-General-Information.pdf(PDF, 190KB)

More Information

Queensland Government – Asbestos Information

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/all/prevention/asbestos

Queensland Government – Safe Removal and Disposal of Asbestos

https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI)

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/management/waste

Remember

If you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos, do not break it, cut it, or move it. Seek professional advice first. Protect yourself, your family, and your community.