Asbestos Disposal Management Plan update
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Sustainability Victoria (SV) launched the Asbestos Disposal Management Plan (ADMP) in February 2021, to guide the implementation of a safe and accessible asbestos disposal system across the state.
The five phases of our plan include:
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The last six months - Phase 2
We’ve engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers through workshops, interviews and questionnaires to inform the development of asbestos disposal solutions.
To better understand localised disposal issues, SV held two virtual workshops in the Central (Bendigo and surrounds) and South-West Victoria regions in late 2021 with representation from stakeholders dealing with asbestos disposal including local governments, state government agencies and departments, the waste and asbestos industries. These regions fall into priority areas identified for their limited access to asbestos disposal options. Key themes arising from these workshops were:
- Site access and cost are barriers to the disposal of waste asbestos.
- Disposal options for small quantities of asbestos from commercial and domestic sources are needed. There are also issues with the disposal of larger quantities.
- Illegal dumping of asbestos is a major concern, with many participants noting this as an issue for their organisation and community.
We heard that there is a need for more convenient and cost-effective disposal solutions that are supported by guidance and education materials to enable the safe disposal of asbestos.
We’ve also undertaken research to understand issues relating to access to insurance with appropriate asbestos coverage. The learnings will be used to support the establishment of potential asbestos transfer sites.
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Current priorities - Phase 2 and 3
We’re continuing to work through Phase 2 of the ADMP, by building our evidence base and gathering insights through additional virtual workshops with stakeholders in the asbestos supply chain in priority areas across regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.
Asbestos pilot sites
Based at existing waste facilities, these pilot sites will be for the short-term storage and consolidation of small quantities of packaged asbestos prior to disposal at landfill. To ensure these sites meet regulatory requirements and potential risks are managed appropriately we are engaging with EPA Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria, the Latrobe Valley Asbestos Taskforce, local government, waste industry, unions and asbestos removalists.
We have contracted a technical specialist to support the development of asbestos transfer sites who will be finalising guidance for site infrastructure needs and supporting operational resources and templates. We will also be developing communication and education materials to support safe use of these sites. This work will feed into the development and launch of an asbestos transfer site pilot program (Phase 3) in second half of 2022.
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Thank you
We’d like to thank you for your important contributions to the ADMP so far. Your knowledge and insights are invaluable in implementing a safe and accessible asbestos disposal network in Victoria. We will keep you updated as the ADMP progresses.
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Get in touch
If you would like to provide feedback, or you would like to know more about the plan, please email us.
Warm regards,
The ADMP Team, Sustainability Victoria
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