The Southern Downs Regional Council is urging the community to “do the right thing” after more illegal asbestos dumping was uncovered at Killarney Waste Facility and Pozieres Bin Compound this week.
The Pozieres facility (pictured) was closed this week due to several positive asbestos samples being found at the site and until further notice, the Killarney facility will be closed to green waste, concrete or demolition waste, timber and steel waste.
This is due to recent suspected illegal asbestos disposal on site among the green waste, timber and concrete wastes.
Last week a load of roofing containing asbestos was discovered at Stanthorpe Waste Facility and investigations are underway to track down the local company that disposed of this material.
The material has since been isolated safely.
Glen Aplin Bin Compound has only just reopened for business after being closed for eight days due to an asbestos contamination contained in illegally dumped construction debris.
This illegal dumping not only inconvenienced local users of the compound, but the response and clean up came at a cost in the order of $7000 to the ratepayer.
Southern Downs Regional Council Acting Manager Environmental Services Leo Jensen said the illegal dumping must stop.
“I cannot stress enough, how important it is for all residents, builders, trades people, home renovators, anyone who may be dealing with older building materials to take extreme care when undertaking building works.” Mr Jensen said.
“All fibrous materials and asbestos containing materials should be carefully managed and wrapped.
“Consult a local accredited asbestos removalist if in any doubt.”
Mr Jensen said further inspections had been carried out at waste facilities across the region.
“I have no doubt some people know exactly what they are dealing with and hiding it in other rubbish, debris and even under green waste,” he said.
“I am also concerned there are people renovating older homes that do not know what they are dealing with.
“Either way, this illegal dumping of asbestos is placing all parties who deal with waste at risk, from the contractors who pick up the bins, to staff and contractors who manage the landfill and waste facilities.
“We are pleading with everyone in the Southern Downs – we must take asbestos seriously and ensure these materials are safely managed and disposed of properly.”
For more information on the safe and legal disposal of asbestos, call SDRC on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).
