The state government hopes that a $50 incentive to be offered to north-coast home renovators from July 1 and the offer of free disposal will eliminate the dangerous practice of dumping asbestos in public places.
Environment minister Rob Stokes said that the NSW EPA trial will make it easier and cheaper and easier disposal for home renovators to dispose of small amounts of wrapped bonded asbestos.
‘The limit for an individual under the asbestos trial scheme is five tonnes and is based on the average house in western Sydney built in the 1950’s having fourtonnes of asbestos,’ Mr Stokes said.
‘In addition, the NSW EPA will waive the waste levy on bonded asbestos disposed of in these trial areas to assess whether there is change in illegal dumping incidents.’
Participating north-coast councils include Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
‘Illegal dumping is costly to clean up and potentially harmful to human health and the environment,’ Mr Stokes said.
‘This trial will assess how effective a more affordable and accessible asbestos disposal scheme will be in reducing instances of illegally dumped asbestos waste,’ he added.
Readers are advised to check with their councils as to which waste disposal centres will accept the asbestos.
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