Asbestos
For up-to-date information on all aspects of asbestos management and regulation go to Asbestos Awareness.
Asbestos Awareness Week - 23-29 November 2020

If your home was built or renovated prior to 1990, there is a good chance it has some asbestos contained within it.
An estimated 4,000 Australians die annually from asbestos-related diseases - which is more than triple the annual road toll and there is evidence that during the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a boom in DIY home improvements giving rise to concerns of increased asbestos exposure.
Make sure you are aware of the risks and for further information have a look at the links below.
Hazards
Asbestos fibres are hazardous when inhaled. They can be released into the air when asbestos products are incorrectly handled, stored or transported for disposal.
Handling and transport
It is essential that asbestos products are correctly handled and transported in a safe manner.
The Office of Environment and Heritage has produced a brochure titled Safely disposing of asbestos in the home. This contains information for home renovators and builders on the safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of asbestos waste.
Disposal
It is illegal to dispose of asbestos waste in domestic garbage bins. It is also illegal to re-use, recycle or illegally dump asbestos products.
Murray River Council will accept asbestos waste generated from within the Local Government Area ONLY at the Moama Waste Management Facility (also known as the Moama Waste Disposal Depot). As asbestos waste must be disposed of by burial, acceptance of the waste is subject to prior arrangement being made 1300 087 004.
Contact the Office of Environment and Heritage's Environment Line for additional information about legally transporting and disposing of asbestos waste.
Related information
- Asbestos Awareness
- Australian Department of Health - Asbestos A guide for householders and the general public
- NSW EPA - Safe disposal of household asbestos
- NSW Health - Asbestos and Health Risks
- NSW Health - DIY Safe - hazards and risks that home renovators may face from a range of chemicals and materials, including asbestos
- Office of Environmental Heritage
- SafeWork NSW
- SafeWork NSW - Safety Topics: Asbestos
- SafeWork NSW - Asbestos licences
- Safe Work Australia - Asbestos