Asbestos or asbestos containing material (ACM)

Asbestos containing material (ACM) is classified as a 'regulated waste' under Queensland government legislation and has specific requirements for the removal, transport and disposal of this waste.

Although ACM is a construction and demolition (C&D) waste type, it needs to be managed as a regulated waste due to its hazardous nature and therefore ACM must not be included in C&D waste disposal at council waste management facilities.

Disposal of asbestos containing material (ACM)

ACM is accepted at the Caboolture, Dakabin and Redcliffe waste facilities (load limits and restrictions apply to all facilities). Disposal is subject to the ACM being securely packaged as per disposal requirements for 'Safe asbestos disposal procedures for residents and commercial operators' which are detailed further.

24 hours’ notice is required as special burial/handling techniques and locations/bins are necessary at the Waste Facilities. Please contact Council on 07 3205 0555.

For residents:

The disposing of ACM up to 100kg and less than 1.5metresin length is accepted at;
  • Caboolture waste facility; customers are to arrive by 4pm
Or
  • Dakabin and Redcliffe waste facilities; customers are to arrive 30 minutes prior to closing time.
/ All loads of asbestos must be weighed and the weighbridge operator will advise residents that they will be required to return to the weighbridge prior to exiting the site.
Note: ACM must be bagged and placed, and fit, into the onsite bin/s provided at Dakabin and Redcliffe waste facilities.
The disposing of ACMover 100kgor longer than 1.5 metresin length is accepted at Caboolture waste facility only; customers are to arrive by 4pm daily.
The resident as the “waste transporter” must hold the appropriate licence / development approval to transport ACM.
Contact the Department of Environment & Science (DES) for more information on asbestos removal, transport and disposal in QLD. / Residents will be required to provide an environmental authority number or registration certificate number from DEHP for the transportation of a regulated waste.
Residents may wish to refer to the Yellow Pages under “asbestos demolition” for approved waste transporters of ACM.
Residents are limited under QLD Government Regulated Waste Tracking Laws to 250kg per load without a Regulated Waste Transporters approval issued byDES. Limited to 2 tonnes per financial year.
All loads of asbestos must be weighed and the weighbridge operator will advise residents that they will be required to return to the weighbridge prior to exiting the site.
Loads over 250kg: the resident will be required to complete a Regulated Waste Transport Certificate (including the provision of an environmental authority number or registration certificate number) and return it to the weighbridge operator. A copy of this form will be submitted by council to DES as required.

Commercial operators:

Commercial operators will be accepted at;

  • Dakabin and Redcliffe waste facilities for loads of ACM up to 100kg and less than 1.5metres in length; customers are to arrive 30 minutes prior to closing time.

Or

  • Caboolture waste facility for larger quantities; customers are to arrive prior to 4pm.

Commercial ACM loads weighing more than 250kg, the transporter must hold the appropriate licence / development approval to transport ACM and present a fully completed ‘Waste Transport Certificate’ to the weighbridge attendant on arrival.

Commercial fees apply per tonnage and higher fees apply for transporting ACM from outside the boundaries of the Moreton Bay region.

Safe asbestos disposal procedures for residents and commercial operators

The driver of a vehicle carrying ACM will be refused entry and directed to leave the site if they do not comply with the following requirements.

  1. Prior to removal, wet down using a fine water spray.
  2. Double wrap or double bag in thick “builders” plastic, with all the edges securely sealed with duct tape. Plastic must be a minimum thickness of 0.2mm (e.g. Builder’s black plastic).
  3. Packaged Asbestos Containing Material must be labelled with an appropriate warning such as;
  4. “Caution Asbestos – do not inhale dust; do not open or damage bag; cancer and lung disease hazard”
  5. ACM must be loaded separately to all other waste prior to arriving onsite.
  6. Place packaged ACMin designated area as directed by Waste Officers.
  7. Under no circumstances should the plastic be removed.
  8. ACM is to be unloaded without rupturing the plastic and this is the responsibility of the transporter. In the event of a rupture, the transporter must re-tape and secure the load.
  9. Carry additional plastic and duct tape to secure any ruptures in transport or unloading.
  10. ACM received for disposal at council’s waste management facilities must comply with the removal and transport conditions required by Department Workplace Health Safety QLD (DWH&S) and the Department of Environment Science (DES).

Please note: Council machinery assistance is not available at any time.

Illegal dumping of asbestos containing material as well as any other waste materials is an offence and incurs a fine.

For more information on waste transport certificates, or asbestos removal, transport and disposal in Queensland, please contactDES.

Other asbestos removal information for renovators and builders

  • When dealing with ACM, renovators and builders must comply with the removal and transport conditions required by DWH&S and DES.
  • The removal of any amount of friable asbestos(including sprayed asbestos insulation, pipe and boiler insulation and non-bonded asbestos fabric)requires a Class A certificate.
  • The removal of 10m2 or more of bonded asbestos (including materials such as asbestos-cement sheets, roof tiles and electrical switchboards) requires a Class B certificate.
  • Certificates are issued and regulated by DWH&S.
  • Materials containing asbestos were very common in the Australian residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s before their production was stopped.
  • The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally since 31 December 2003. The ban does not apply to asbestos installed prior to this date (e.g. asbestos materials in houses). For more information refer to Asbestos Home Renovators Trades Guide; The State of Queensland, Queensland Health, 2010 at

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