- Published:
- Thursday 25 June 2026 at 3:05 pm
Following the National Asbestos Awareness Campaign, EPA is reminding Victorians that removing household asbestos is very much a job for the professionals, and everyone can help make sure it's properly disposed of.
The campaign focused on raising awareness of asbestos in the home(opens in a new window). With most houses built before 1990 likely to contain some amount of asbestos, it's an issue many homeowners will one day face.
Most asbestos materials in homes are considered stable and very low risk under normal conditions, but they can become hazardous if disturbed, whether that is through renovations or natural disasters such as fire or flood.
EPA Executive Director of Operations Rachel Gualano said it was important for everyone to understand their obligation to ensure asbestos was handled safely, and that all waste asbestos ends up in a facility licensed to accept it.
EPA Victoria has just updated its list of licensed disposal sites. They can be found at the EPA’s asbestos waste page.(opens in a new window)
“The safest and best option is to hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor,” Ms Gualano said.
“If you choose to remove asbestos from your own home, however, you must take proper steps(opens in a new window) to protect yourself, your family and the community.
“That includes making sure all asbestos waste is safely transported to a licensed facility. EPA Victoria publishes a list of licensed asbestos disposal sites, so always make that your first step. Asbestos doesn’t belong in our parks and reserves, and it doesn’t belong in your bin.”
But even if you have hired a professional, residents have a role.
“Make sure the removal company can and will produce a waste tracker receipt that shows the asbestos has been taken to a landfill licensed to receive it,” Ms Gualano said.
“Some individuals and businesses will charge you for legal disposal, then dump the asbestos and pocket the profits. That’s a serious crime that puts people and our environment at risk, and is one of the top priorities for our Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce.”
For more information about the health risks of asbestos, visit:
- Asbestos and your health(opens in a new window) at the Better Health Channel
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