DISPOSING of asbestos will be cheaper and easier in the Shoalhaven as part of a 12-month trial that started on July 1.
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The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will begin a trial of the Householders’ Asbestos Disposal Scheme in 24 councils including Shoalhaven from this week.
During the trial Shoalhaven residents can dispose of small amounts of wrapped bonded asbestos for $102 per tonne, rather than the normal charge of $290 per tonne.
Asbestos inspector and auditor Neil Wallace from Asbestos Reporting South Coast said most people would be surprised at how many Shoalhaven residents work with asbestos as if it was harmless.
Mr Wallace thought people would be also be shocked at how often asbestos was dumped in the bush.
“People who dump this stuff in the bush are exposing themselves and possibly their loved ones to asbestos,” he said.
“This reduction in the cost to dump it properly will be a plus.”
Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash was pleased Shoalhaven was chosen to participate in the pilot scheme.
“The successful councils had been selected by an independent review panel based on
the merit of their applications,” she said.
“Results of the pilot program will be independently analysed to inform the NSW government on the best approach to reduce the dumping of asbestos waste.”
The limit for an individual under the trial will be five tonnes and is based on the average house in Western Sydney built in the 1950s having four tonnes of asbestos.
The West Nowra and Ulladulla recycling and waste depots will participate in the scheme.
To be eligible, Shoalhaven
residents must register with council prior to proceeding to the landfill.
A coupon will be issued and the discount automatically applied.
The scheme will finish on June 30, 2015 and is available to Shoalhaven householders only.
For more information on the Householders Asbestos Disposal Scheme phone council on 4429 5555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au.