REDLANDS Coast island residents and commercial customers are now permitted to dispose of asbestos-containing materials, fibro and cement sheeting materials at their local recycling and waste centres.
The materials are now accepted at waste centres on Russell, Macleay, Coochiemudlo and North Stradbroke islands - previously it was only allowed at mainland recycling and waste centres.
Mayor Karen Williams said asbestos-containing materials, fibro and cement sheeting must be handled properly and disposed of at a licenced facility.
"Accepting these materials at our island recycling and waste centres will make it far more convenient for residents, particularly if they are doing repairs on their homes."
Cr Williams said the facilities would accept actual or suspected asbestos-containing materials, fibro and cement sheeting up to 10m2 or less than 250kg.
Residential disposal of this amount was free with proof of residency and photo identification, however commercial and non-residential loads would attract a fee.
Fees would apply if the material was generated or transported by a commercial builder or contractor.
The materials should be double wrapped in thick (minimum 0.2mm) plastic sheeting, securely sealed with duct tape and unloaded by hand into the designated asbestos disposal bin.
Customers must declare these materials at the gatehouse upon entering the recycling and waste centre.
"Council staff will inspect loads upon arrival and customers with actual or suspected asbestos-containing materials, fibro and cement sheeting that isn't wrapped appropriately will be instructed to leave the centre and return once the material is properly wrapped for disposal," Cr Williams said.
Cr Mark Edwards said the decision to accept asbestos would be welcomed by the island communities.
"This review means it is now far more convenient for our island residents to safely dispose of these hazardous materials at their local island recycling and waste centres," he said.
Cr Edwards said council treated all renovation materials with caution as they may contain harmful respirable fibres such as asbestos or silica.
"Asbestos was once used in Australia in fibre-cement building products such as sheeting, water drainage, roofing and guttering, and it is still found in buildings constructed up to the 1990s".
Other types of materials that council treats in the same manner as asbestos-containing waste include fibro, Villaboard, Millboard, super six roof sheeting, cement sheeting, HardieFlex, insulation board and backing boards on vinyl sheet flooring and tiles.
Disposal fees HERE
