Safe Asbestos Removal & Disposal Central Coast
If you are doing a renovation, extension or even your own demolition to save some money, make sure you are asbestos aware. Many older houses on the Central Coast of NSW contain asbestos products. Your safest way to protect you and your family is to contact an asbestos removal specialist. If you would like to do some further reading please click the following link for the NSW Government fact sheet
Asbestos Removal in Australian Homes: What You Need to Know
For many Australians living in homes built before the late 1980s, asbestos remains a hidden danger. Once widely used in construction due to its fire resistance and insulation properties, asbestos is now known to pose serious health risks. If you’re planning renovations or even simple maintenance on an older property, understanding asbestos and how to safely remove it is crucial.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made of fine, durable fibres. It was commonly used in Australian building materials—especially between the 1940s and late 1980s—before its dangers became widely recognised. Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to severe diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Australia began phasing out asbestos in the 1980s, and it was completely banned by 2003.
Common Places Asbestos May Be Found:
Wall and ceiling sheeting (especially “fibro” homes)
Eaves and fences
Roofs and insulation
Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
Pipe lagging and hot water systems
Why Is Asbestos Removal Important?
Disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) releases fibres into the air. This can happen during renovations, demolitions, or even minor repairs. Breathing in these fibres, even in small amounts over time, can lead to fatal health issues.
Because of the risks, asbestos removal is tightly regulated in Australia. Both the federal government and individual states and territories have laws in place to protect homeowners and workers.
DIY vs. Professional Asbestos Removal
Should you try to remove asbestos yourself? In most cases, the answer is no.
Why You Should Hire a Licensed Professional:
Safety: Licensed asbestos removalists are trained in proper containment and disposal methods.
Legal Compliance: Regulations differ by state, but in general, professionals must follow strict protocols to avoid environmental contamination.
Peace of Mind: Testing, removal, and air monitoring are done with precision, reducing the risk to you and your family.
Some states allow homeowners to remove small amounts (usually under 10 square metres) of non-friable asbestos themselves, but this still comes with significant health and legal risks. Always check with your local council or WorkSafe authority before attempting removal.
The Asbestos Removal Process
Inspection and Testing: A licensed assessor will inspect the property and take samples to identify ACMs.
Removal Plan: A removalist creates a control plan to manage risks during the process.
Safe Removal: The area is sealed off, workers wear protective gear, and ACMs are carefully removed and bagged.
Waste Disposal: Asbestos waste must be taken to an approved facility and never placed in general household bins.
Clearance Certificate: After removal, an independent inspector may perform air monitoring and issue a clearance certificate.
Cost of Asbestos Removal in Australia
The cost depends on the type, quantity, and location of the asbestos. On average:
Testing: $200–$600
Small jobs (e.g. eaves): $1,000–$3,000
Whole house removal: $10,000–$30,000+
While not cheap, it’s a necessary investment in your health and safety.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos is an unseen hazard that still lingers in many Australian homes. Whether you’re renovating, selling, or just staying safe, knowing what you’re dealing with—and how to handle it—is key. If in doubt, always call in a professional.
Your health is worth it.