Asbestos
Check out the website for information on finding and identifying asbestos, what to do with it, how to remove it and where to put it for residential settings and workplaces.
In addition to the EPA, safe asbestos handling and disposal is also managed by agencies such as SafeWork SA, SA Health, Local Government Association and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI). Each agency plays an important role in managing the risks of exposure and providing information and advice to South Australians about asbestos.
Information for households
Asbestos was a popular construction material in homes built between 1940 and the mid-1980s. It was extensively used for lining wet areas (bathrooms, toilets and laundry rooms).
Some linoleum manufacturers used asbestos as a filler. It can also be found in old boilers, fires, and lagging around hot water pipes and tanks.
Non-friable asbestos is the most common form of asbestos, it was produced and used until the 1980’s in products such as corrugated or flat sheeting, vinyl floor tiles and water or flue pipes.
Friable asbestos used in pipe-lagging, insulation and asbestos backed floor tiles presents significant health risks if disturbed.
There are companies that will test for asbestos. Check under 'Asbestos removal and/or treatment' in the Yellow Pages.
Home renovators need to be extra careful. If you're thinking of renovating an old property, you should seek advice from councils and other building advisory organisations before commencing any work to determine the potential risk of the materials listed on the property.
SafeWork SA’s free publication on asbestos is available at their Customer Service Centre on Level 4, World Park A, 33 Richmond Road, Keswick. Phone 1300 365 255 or email for a copy.
Persons removing and transporting asbestos for a fee or reward require licensing under the Environment Protection Act 1993 and may need to obtain permits / consents from other agencies to undertake this activity.
Households removing and transporting asbestos for disposal must comply with their General Environmental Duty not to pollute. Such persons must follow the EPA Guideline Wastes Containing Asbestos – removal, transport and disposal to ensure compliance.
Asbestos transportation and disposal
The EPA is primarily responsible for the regulation of asbestos transport and disposal.
A licensed waste transporter can supply a plastic-lined skip/bin for disposing of asbestos. When the job is complete the plastic needs to be pulled over the top and sealed with duct tape or similar.
Waste transporters can be located under 'Asbestos removal and/or treatment' in the Yellow Pages.
Metropolitan residents can dispose of asbestos at specific metropolitan and country transfer stations or waste depots. It is recommended that you contact your local transfer station or waste depot for advice on disposal requirements.
Asbestos can be taken to landfills but it must be wrapped in manageable-sized packages in thick (200-micron) plastic, and taped at the seams. Large hardware stores or building suppliers should sell this type of plastic.
See the EPA Guideline Wastes Containing Asbestos – removal, transport and disposal or the asbestos website for more information.
Metropolitan locations
Country locations
Fire-damaged asbestos
Pieces of asbestos material and some fibres remaining in the ash may present a risk if disturbed during the clean up after a fire. Advice is available to handle fire-damaged asbestos.