Asbestos is in millions of homes built before 1990. It affects 1 in 3 homes nationwide. It was used in thousands of building materials at the time and becomes dangerous if damaged, disturbed or deteriorated.
As a homeowner, you need to know what asbestos is and take precautions when you are planning to renovate or make repairs around your home. Find out more about asbestos testing and removal kits and how to remove asbestos safely.
Asbestos testing kits
Free Asbestos Testing Kits can be collected from the Front Counter at Council's Head Office in Mullumbimby and the Byron Resource Recovery Centre.
Kits contain:
- Sample bags.
- Instructions for taking the sample.
- Laboratory instructions.
- P2 disposable masks.
- Postal satchel.
Results are provided from the laboratory in five working days. If you receive a positive test result you are responsible for removing asbestos from your property.
Watch this video to learn how to use the asbestos testing kits
Removal and disposal of asbestos
You can purchase a Household Asbestos Removal Kit from the Byron Resource Recovery Centre at a subsidised rate of $50.
The kits contain all of the safety equipment and information needed to safely remove up to 10 square metres of asbestos from your home.
Under NSW law, residents can only remove up to 10 square metres of asbestos. Any amount of asbestos over 10 square metres must be removed and appropriately disposed of by a contractor licenced to handle asbestos, to the closest licensed facility.
The Byron Resource Recovery Centre is not licensed to accept asbestos for disposal as it is a transfer station and does not have an operational landfill. For more information visit:
Some facilities require notice and prior approval before delivery or acceptance of asbestos.
Watch this video to learn how to use the asbestos disposal kits
Asbestos-based building materials can no longer be produced or used in the Australian construction and manufacturing industries due to health risks such as lung disease and cancer.
Existing older buildings built before 1990 may contain asbestos.
Undisturbed, undamaged and intact asbestos materials are generally considered safe. They are potentially dangerous when people build or renovate and start removing, cleaning, cutting, sanding, drilling, grinding or pulling up materials. Once the hazardous fibres become airborne they can be inhaled.