General News
6 May, 2024
Asbestos disposal in Castlemaine
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has recently upgraded the Castlemaine Transfer Station to better support the safe disposal of small quantities of packaged asbestos waste. The upgrades have been made possible following funding from Sustainability...
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has recently upgraded the Castlemaine Transfer Station to better support the safe disposal of small quantities of packaged asbestos waste.
The upgrades have been made possible following funding from Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
“Council has provided a local asbestos disposal option at the Castlemaine Transfer Station for more than 15 years”, Mount Alexander Shire mayor Mathew Driscoll said.
“This funding through Sustainability Victoria has enabled us to make some upgrades to our asbestos disposal infrastructure, improve our site procedures, and trial expanding the service to more people.
“We know the harmful consequences of asbestos waste dumped illegally, so we’re really pleased we’re able to help more people dispose of it safely.”
The asbestos disposal point at the Castlemaine Transfer Station accepts small quantities of non-friable asbestos waste that’s been correctly packaged for disposal.
This includes materials such as cement sheeting, also known as AC sheeting or fibro. Trades, householders and licensed asbestos removalists can access the service by booking and following packaging, transport and on-site disposal requirements. Fees apply.
Once delivered to the transfer station, the asbestos waste is temporarily stored in a secure area equipped with a fit-for-purpose bin to keep people safe. The waste is then safely transported off-site to a licensed landfill.
Castlemaine Transfer Station has an Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria registration to temporarily store asbestos. The upgrades are supporting the site to continue to manage asbestos waste safely and be compliant with relevant legislation and regulations.
Cr Driscoll commented on the importance of safe removal as well as safe disposal.
“With asbestos present in roughly one third of Australian homes, the safe removal of asbestos from a building is just as important as safe disposal,” he said.
“Before even starting any property improvement projects, check for asbestos. If you find asbestos, it is strongly recommended that you engage a licensed asbestos removalist to help keep yourself and your community safe.”
To make a booking to use the Asbestos Disposal Point and for more information on disposal fees and how to package, transport and dispose of asbestos safely call 5471-1700 or visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
To find out more about identifying and removing asbestos safely, visit www.asbestos.vic.gov.au.