$16M to reform asbestos waste management

The New South Wales Government is investing $16 million to deliver critical reforms changing how asbestos waste is handled in the state.

This investment will be delivered through the government’s Asbestos Plan of Action, which will identify a range of responses to deal with asbestos in the waste supply chain.

These include stronger controls and training on work sites to protect workers and the waste stream, and a more robust supply chain to prevent contamination.

Nine million dollars of the plan’s funds will be used to establish a two-year trial of a household asbestos waste collection program from next year. The service will include free pickup and disposal services and is expected to lead to less illegal dumping, as well as safer handling for families and workers.

According to the state government, asbestos waste is often found in illegally dumped materials, in part because of the cost to dispose of it correctly.

“One in three houses built before 1990 contains asbestos – that’s why it’s important to make it cheaper and easier for New South Wales families to dispose of these materials,” said Penny Sharpe, State Minister for the Environment.

“To avoid the looming waste crisis in New South Wales, we need to increase resource recovery and reduce barriers to safely disposing of problematic waste types, like asbestos.”

The Asbestos Plan of Action has been developed through consultation with SafeWork NSW, the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), industry, workers and the NSW Asbestos Coordination Committee.

“Over 4000 Australians die each year from historical exposure to asbestos,” said Kim Brislane, Chief Executive Officer of ADDRI. “We must be vigilant about the risk of asbestos and take precautions when it is detected in the workplace or the home.

“ADDRI supports patients and families affected by asbestos-related diseases every day, giving us a clear understanding of the devastating impact of asbestos exposure. That’s why we strongly support action to better protect workers and the broader community from this preventable risk.”

The plan has been embraced by key industry stakeholders, including the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR).

WMRR Chief Executive Officer Gayle Sloan describing it as an important step towards a stronger, nationally consistent approach to asbestos management.

“Sharing responsibility across the entire supply chain, improving identification and strengthening controls will reduce risk, support the recovery of high-quality materials and give the community confidence that they can trust the system is working as it should.”

The Asbestos Plan of Action can be accessed here.