A new guide has been released to help councils combat illegal asbestos disposal.

The illegal dumping of asbestos, believed to be present in one in three Australian homes, puts waste management workers and residents at risk of exposure and is a growing concern for local government.

To support councils, the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has developed Action on illegal disposal of asbestos: A Guide for Local Government.

The resource was created for use by councils and council staff across Australia who have a role in preventing and addressing asbestos exposure risks.

It provides practical actions that councils can use to discharge their duties relating to illegal asbestos disposal.

The resource aims to provide councils with a vehicle to share information, best practice and lessons learned when it comes to minimising asbestos risks, says Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency CEO Justine Ross.

“Councils are at the frontline of combating illegal asbestos disposal, often bearing the cost of asbestos clean-up in their communities,” she said.

“It brings together the knowledge and experience of hundreds of people working in waste, the environment, and health and safety in local government who continue to work tirelessly to keep their communities safe from asbestos exposure.”

The publication of the guide coincides with the launch of a campaign reminding home occupiers and tradespeople to do the right thing and ensure the lawful disposal of asbestos.

An estimated 4,000 Australians die annually from asbestos-related diseases, the Asbestos Safety Eradication Agency says.

A survey of 1,506 home improvers commissioned by the agency in 2021, revealed that over a third of those who have encountered asbestos during a DIY project or renovation admitted to illegal and dangerous disposal – mostly in their own or a neighbour’s household bin.

An estimated 6,000 tonnes of asbestos are illegally disposed of in Australia every year costing around $11.2 million per annum to remediate.

“Asbestos causes cancer and if not disposed of legally, it puts council workers, and the community’s health at risk,” Ms Ross said.