EPA provides funding for regional asbestos disposal

EPA Victoria has provided $97,000 towards safe asbestos disposal in the desert fringe in the Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shire council areas.

The funding was provided to the Desert Fringe Regional Waste Management Group for the installation of 13 asbestos collection sites.

EPA Bendigo Manager Jeff Cummins said the money would make it easier for people in the region to dispose of asbestos safely and legally: “Asbestos is a potentially hazardous material which cannot be recycled, and it continues to be a concern for all Australians.

“Between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes of asbestos is still disposed of each year and it needs to be transported safely to a landfill where it can be disposed of appropriately.

“EPA Victoria supports this initiative by the Desert Fringe Regional Waste Management Group to make asbestos disposal easier for people and businesses in remote areas of Victoria.”

The $97,000 provided by EPA is part of a $1 million commitment by the Brumby government to encourage safe handling and disposal of asbestos.

Using the funding, asbestos collection points will be provided at each waste transfer station in the region, using enclosed shipping containers and trailers.

People will be able to deposit up to three 2.4 x 1.2 m sheets of asbestos at the points, with Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shire Councils providing the appropriate plastic wrapping so that asbestos can be safely wrapped prior to transportation.