ASBESTOS DISPOSAL

The Asbestos Disposal Points at Future Recycling Hallam & Pakenham provides a convenient, safe disposal solution for the community. The site includes a weatherproof bin that temporarily stores packaged, non-friable asbestos waste. Once the bin reaches storage limits, it is sealed and transported to an Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria licensed landfill for final disposal.

There are strict safety guidelines on how to use the Asbestos Disposal Point. You can download a step-by-step guide here <insert link> which includes information on how to safely package asbestos for transport and disposal.

• Non-friable or ‘bonded’ asbestos – these products include asbestos cement sheeting (also known as ‘fibro’ or ‘AC Sheeting’), roof tiles, eaves, fencing, pipes, etc.
• Packaged correctly – asbestos must be double wrapped, sealed and labelled in heavy duty (minimum of 0.2mm/200 micron thickness) HDPE plastic sheeting or double-bagged in specialised asbestos bags (minimum of 0.2mm/200 micron thickness).
• Small quantities only – under 10 meters squared per load or less than 120kgs. Individual packages should not weigh more than 20kgs.

• Non-friable or ‘bonded’ asbestos
• Packaged correctly asbestos
• Small quantities only
• Booked drop-offs only

1. MAKE A BOOKING

You must book a time slot before visiting the Asbestos Disposal Point. For bookings, fees, and conditions of use, call 13 73 29 or click here.

2. ALWAYS USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) WHEN HANDLING ASBESTOS AND STRICTLY FOLLOW SAFE REMOVAL, CLEAN UP AND DECONTAMINATION PROCESSES

PPE must be worn when removing and packaging asbestos for disposal. This includes items such as disposable coveralls (type 5 category 3), shoe covers, disposable gloves, respirator (with a P2 or P3 particulate filter) and protective eyewear. Important information on how to wear, decontaminate, safely remove and dispose of PPE can be found at asbestos.vic.gov.au.

3. ENSURE ASBESTOS WASTE IS CORRECTLY PACKAGED FOR DISPOSAL

Thoroughly wet the waste with water during the removal process and keep in a wet condition until packaged to supress dust.

Package the asbestos in your work area on plastic drop sheets to contain any potential dust or debris.

Asbestos waste must be wrapped in two separate layers of heavy‑duty (minimum of 0.2mm/200 micron thickness) HDPE plastic sheeting or double-bagged in specialised asbestos waste bags (minimum of 0.2mm/200 micron thickness), which can be found online and at most hardware stores and safety equipment suppliers.

Each layer must be sealed with strong, wide commercial strength tape (e.g. duct tape). Clearly label all packages with ‘CAUTION ASBESTOS’.

For more information on how to safely package asbestos for transport and disposal download our step-by-step guide here <insert link>.

SAFETY REMINDER

• Do not break up asbestos to make it fit into packages or bags for transporting.
• Thoroughly double-wrapping or double bagging and sealing asbestos waste helps prevent the packaging from tearing during loading, transport and disposal.
• Always use new wet wipes or damp rags when wet wiping each package, item of equipment or PPE during all stages of packaging, clean up and decontamination to avoid cross contamination.

4. CAREFULLY CLEAN YOUR WORK AREA AND EQUIPMENT AND THEN REMOVE PPE SAFELY FOLLOWING DECONTAMINATION AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES

After packaging your asbestos, work through clean up, decontamination and disposal procedures.

For a summary of steps, download our guide here or for more detailed information visit asbestos.vic.gov.au.

Any waste generated through asbestos removal, packaging, clean up and decontamination procedures must also be double wrapped or double bagged and disposed of as asbestos waste. This includes wet wipes, rags, plastic drop sheets and disposable PPE and respirators.

SAFETY REMINDER

• Never use a domestic vacuum cleaner to remove dust from an asbestos work area, even if it has a HEPA filter.

5. TRANSPORT WASTE SAFELY AND SECURELY

Under the Environment Protection Act Victoria, asbestos waste must be transported safely to a place authorised to receive it.

Licensed asbestos removalists, waste transporters or tradespeople must:

• Comply with their Industrial Waste Duties.
• Transport asbestos in an EPA permissioned vehicle and use EPA’s Waste Tracker.

This does not apply if the net load of asbestos is less than 50 litres and transported for no fee or reward.

Householders transporting their own asbestos waste don’t have to use EPA’s Waste Tracker or an EPA permissioned vehicle.

You must ensure the packaged asbestos is secured for transport to avoid any tears or the risk of waste falling out onto roads.

Asbestos waste must be loaded and unloaded from vehicles carefully. If it takes two people to lift the waste into a vehicle, you will need to ensure there are two of you to move the waste at the Asbestos Disposal Point.

SAFETY REMINDER

• It is recommended that the asbestos waste is transported securely in a trailer or ute tray.
• If you don’t want to transport the asbestos yourself, contact a licensed waste transporter.
• Vehicles should be carefully cleaned after transporting packaged waste asbestos.
• Visit epa.vic.gov.au for more information on the transportation of asbestos waste.

6. ONCE ON-SITE, FOLLOW GUIDANCE FROM SITE OPERATORS

Trained Asbestos Disposal Point site operators will check your load on arrival to ensure it is packaged correctly and then direct you to the Asbestos Disposal Point. You will be able to park near the skip bin where you can unload the waste and place it directly into the bin. Site operators will not be able to assist you with unloading the waste.

SAFETY REMINDER

• Do not tip your packaged asbestos out of your vehicle. It needs to be manually offloaded by hand.
• Carefully place packages into the skip bin as directed. Don’t drop them.