New rules planned for NSW asbestos waste removal

New rules planned for NSW asbestos waste removal
Staff reporterDecember 7, 2020

The NSW Government is working to remove the levy on asbestos waste to make it easier and cheaper to lawfully dispose of asbestos waste.

Environment Minister Matt Kean has released the NSW Asbestos Waste Strategy 2019-21, which aims to reduce the illegal and improper disposal of asbestos waste.

The strategy was developed following research which showed that asbestos waste accounts for up to eight per cent of illegally dumped waste across NSW. 

“Illegally dumped asbestos poses a threat to human health and our environment and results in significant clean-up costs,” Mr Kean said.

“The safe and lawful management of asbestos waste is a priority for this Government and that means making legal disposal of asbestos waste easier and cheaper."

“To do this, we will work to increase the number of facilities which can lawfully receive asbestos waste and make it cheaper to dispose of asbestos by removing the waste levy on separated, bonded and wrapped asbestos waste up to 250kg," he added.

The maximum penalties for illegal dumping of asbestos in NSW is $2 million for corporations and $500,000 for individuals.

NSW waste facilities that accept household asbestos from the public are listed by region here.

The community is invited to view the strategy here.

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