Asbestos

For the safety and wellbeing of all residents and community members, strict precautions must be followed when removing, transporting, and disposing of asbestos and other hazardous waste.

Asbestos was commonly used as construction and fencing material until 1990. Asbestos cement building materials in a home is no cause for alarm, however care must be taken when handling asbestos to ensure that the health risk is minimised, as exposure to asbestos fibres may cause respiratory disease.

All home renovators should be mindful that asbestos may be present in products such as eaves sheeting, carpet underlay, vinyl tile backing, roof and fence sheeting. A non-licensed person is permitted by law to remove non-friable asbestos as long as the volume of asbestos material is no bigger than 10 square metres. Find out more about asbestos safety for households and home renovators, including the differences between and non-friable asbestos here. 

Further information is available on the Department of Health and Department of Asbestos, Silica Safety and Eradication Agency websites.

Licenses and Permits

Removing and replacing an asbestos roof requires a building permit.

If you are applying for a demolition permit for a property containing asbestos, you will need to submit an asbestos declaration form here.

Disposing of asbestos

Residents can dispose of asbestos at Tamala Park and Western Metropolitan Recycling Centre. For further information on opening hours, fees and disposal requirements, please visit the Mindarie Regional Council and The Western Metropolitan Regional Council websites.