Southern Downs Regional Council has announced a revamp of its asbestos acceptance criteria in a bid to ensure safer disposal of asbestos materials at its waste management facilities.
Councillor Sarah Deane, who holds the portfolio for healthy communities, emphasised the importance of responsible asbestos management as part of sustainable waste management across the region.
“Protecting the health and safety of our community is paramount,” Cr Deane said.
“By updating our asbestos disposal guidelines, we are taking significant steps to ensure that hazardous materials are handled correctly and safely.”
The most significant change to the guidelines, which took effect on 1 July, is that all commercial loads heading to landfill at the Warwick Waste Management Facility must be booked at least one business day in advance while a new weight limit of one tonne and reduced disposal hours apply.
Additionally, in order to comply with state government legislation, the following requirements apply to all loads, both commercial and domestic:
• If any load is greater than 175kg, an Environmental Authority for the transport of regulated waste is required.
• If any load is greater than 250kg, a Waste Transport Certificate is required.
• A commercial load of any weight requires a Waste Transport Certificate.
In a statement, the council reminded residents and businesses that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) will only be accepted when the load is double-wrapped, appropriately sealed and clearly labelled, and that on-site unwrapping and rewrapping of asbestos packages is strictly prohibited.
Any load of ACM which is disposed without meeting the acceptance criteria will be subject to a fee at the gatehouse.
“By reviewing and improving regulatory compliance in our waste management practices, council is reinforcing its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of waste management practices,” Cr Deane said.
“Council thanks the community for its cooperation in adhering to the acceptance criteria to keep our landfills uncontaminated.”
The changes come amid an ongoing legal dispute with the Qld government over the alleged supply of asbestos contaminated mulch from a council waste facility which was later used to redress a primary school oval in Warwick in late-2017.
