LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s NSW Asbestos Plan of Action, including a two-year trial allowing households to have asbestos waste collected and disposed of for free.
“We are investing $16 million to improve the way we handle asbestos waste, creating safer environments for workers and the community,” Ms Saffin said.
“A total of $9 million 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 forms a key part of the Government’s response to the Chief Scientist’s report into asbestos in the waste stream.
Illegal dumping is a major problem across the state, costing councils millions of dollars each year to clean up. Asbestos waste is often found in illegally dumped materials – in part because of the cost to dispose of it correctly.
Many people renovating older homes don’t know where to safely dispose of asbestos or find it is expensive. This often leads to mistaken disposal or illegal dumping. The pick-up and disposal service will make it easier and free to do the right thing.
The NSW Asbestos Plan of Action identifies a range of responses to deal with asbestos in the waste supply chain, including stronger controls and training on work sites to protect workers and the waste stream, and a more robust supply chain to prevent contamination.
The Plan, developed through extensive consultation, is available online: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/management-asbestos-recovered-material
