Asbestos dust or fibres are dangerous if breathed in. They are classed as regulated waste under Queensland's Environmental Protection Regulation 2008.
The smallest fibres are the most harmful. They are too small to see, but they can reach deep into your lungs. Asbestos fibres can be released into the air if materials containing asbestos are handled, removed or transported incorrectly.
To keep everyone safe, you must follow the rules below. Asbestos loads that don't meet these requirements will not be accepted at our landfills and may be reported to the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
Material that may contain asbestos
Treat all of the following items as if they contain asbestos:
- fibro and cement sheeting (including fencing and wall cladding)
- vinyl floor sheeting and anything attached to it
- vinyl tiles and anything attached to them
- water pipes, flue pipes or other asbestos-bonded products made before 1990.
You can’t tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. If you’re unsure, you can:
- get the waste tested by an asbestos laboratory approved by the National Association of Testing Authorities
- dispose all of the waste as if it contains asbestos.
Disposal fees
For asbestos disposal fees, visit our waste disposal fees page. If asbestos is mixed with other waste, the whole load will be charged at the asbestos rate.
Types of asbestos
- Non-friable asbestos is the most common type. It is usually found as cement sheeting, vinyl floor tiles, water or flue pipes, or other bonded products made before 1990. If left undisturbed, it poses no known health risk.
- Friable asbestos was used in pipe lagging, insulation and asbestos-backed vinyl floor tiles. It is very dangerous if disturbed.
Removing and transporting asbestos
Only licensed contractors can remove:
- 250 kilograms of non-commercial non-friable asbestos (class B licence)
- any amount of commercial non-friable asbestos (class B licence)
- any amount of friable asbestos (class A licence).
Homeowners can remove less than 10 square metres (up to 250 kilograms) of non-friable asbestos without Queensland Health's approval.
They can also transport up to 175 kilograms of non-friable asbestos without needing an environmental authority.
If your load is more than 250 kilograms you must complete waste tracking forms at the weighbridge.
As a general rule, 250 kilograms of typical asbestos waste fills about one quarter of an uncaged household trailer.
If you use the QR code for waste tracking, print a paper copy to show the weighbridge operator.
How to prepare asbestos for disposal
All asbestos must be:
- accompanied by the correct paperwork (see above)
- wet down and double-wrapped with at least 0.2 millimetre-thick low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets, sealed with adhesive tape and placed within containers on the vehicle
- each bag must be no larger than 1.2 metres high and 0.9 metres wide and weigh no more than 25 kilograms
- clearly labelled ‘CAUTION ASBESTOS’ in letters at least 40 millimetres high
- securely stowed to prevent the package rupturing during transport
- offloaded carefully to avoid breaking the wrapping.
Note: If the wrapping breaks, you must repackage the asbestos immediately. Do not remove the wrapping at any time.
Where to dispose of asbestos
We only accept asbestos at:
- Stapylton landfill – 7 days a week, before 2pm
- Reedy Creek landfill – Monday to Friday before 2pm and Saturday before 11am.
We do not accept asbestos outside these times.
Place asbestos loads in the designated area. Do not tip asbestos from vehicles with tipping bodies.
For Stapylton and Reedy Creek landfill location details, visit our Waste and recycling map.
Unloading
Transporters must unload asbestos safely in the correct location and keep bundles intact.
Tip truck 'running out’ is not permitted. Landfill operators will not touch asbestos waste with earthmoving equipment.
Place loads in a compact pile at the marked location so staff can cover them safely.
If you don't follow disposal rules
We take asbestos safety seriously.
- If your load is not packed correctly, a supervisor will inspect it. If your load can’t be unloaded safely, you will be reminded of the rules and asked to leave.
- If your unloading method causes bundles to break, we will record your details. If a second load breaks, you will not be able to unload asbestos until you can show a safer method.
Serious breaches will be reported to the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
For queries, please call Waste Management on 07 5667 5976.