Free asbestos disposal trial to target illegal dumping in NSW

A two-year trial will allow NSW households to have asbestos waste collected and disposed of for free under a new state government plan aimed at improving safety and reducing illegal dumping.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed the state government’s NSW Asbestos Plan of Action, which includes $16m in funding to strengthen the management of asbestos waste.

“We are investing $16m to improve the way we handle asbestos waste, creating safer environments for workers and the community,” Saffin said.

“A total of $9m will go towards establishing a two-year trial of a household collection program starting next year, which will offer households a free pick-up and disposal service for asbestos waste.

“This critical reform is designed to reduce illegal dumping and ensure safer handling for families and workers.”

The trial is part of the government’s response to the chief scientist’s report into asbestos in the waste stream.

Illegal dumping remains a significant issue across NSW, costing councils millions of dollars each year in clean-up efforts.

Asbestos waste is frequently found in illegally dumped materials, partly due to the high cost of proper disposal.

Many people renovating older properties are unaware of how to safely dispose of asbestos or find the process too expensive, which can lead to unsafe or illegal dumping.

The new collection service aims to remove that barrier by making safe disposal both easier and free.

The NSW Asbestos Plan of Action also outlines wider measures to address asbestos across the waste supply chain, including stronger site controls, improved worker training, and steps to prevent contamination.

The plan was developed following extensive consultation and is available online at epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-and-reuse/resource-recovery-framework/management-asbestos-recovered