How to Handle and Dispose of Asbestos Safely in NSW

Published On: July 10, 2026

Finding asbestos in your home or business can feel alarming, but you can resolve this risk quickly and legally by following the right steps.

This guide explains the safest method for bonded asbestos removal Central Coast. We explain the 10-square-metre rule, highlight the serious health risks, and describe why expert bonded asbestos removal is essential.

Read on to learn how to protect your family, workers, and neighbours and avoid costly mistakes.

What is bonded asbestos and where is it found?

Bonded asbestos, also called non‑friable asbestos, is asbestos material bound in a solid matrix such as cement. It is less likely to release fibres when intact, but becomes hazardous when cut, drilled, sanded or broken.

Common locations in homes and businesses built or renovated before 1990 include:

  • Eaves, soffits and external wall cladding
  • Roofing sheets and gutters
  • Bathroom and laundry walls, especially behind tiles
  • Fencing, sheds and garages
  • Vinyl floor tiles and some backing materials
  • Pipe lagging and textured paints in older properties

What are the health risks of handling any asbestos?

All asbestos is dangerous when disturbed. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious, long‑term diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. There is no safe exposure level.

Key health risks for families and workers:

  • Fibres released during DIY work can settle on clothing, tools and surfaces, spreading through the home.
  • Children and partners can be exposed indirectly via dust on shoes, cars and laundry.
  • Workers on-site face higher cumulative exposure without proper controls and respiratory protection.
  • Diseases often appear decades after exposure, making early prevention critical.

What is the 10-square-metre rule for bonded asbestos?

In NSW, homeowners and some contractors may remove bonded (non‑friable) asbestos when it covers up to 10 square metres, but only in accordance with strict safety and legal conditions.

For any area over 10 square metres, you must work with a professional, licensed asbestos removal Central Coast.

What the rule means in practice:

  • 10 m² is the total area of bonded asbestos material, not per room or per sheet.
  • The rule applies only to non‑friable material. Friable asbestos must always be handled by a licensed professional.
  • Even within 10 m², you must follow SafeWork NSW codes of practice for safe removal, PPE, containment, cleaning and disposal.
  • Businesses and construction companies should generally engage licensed removalists, regardless of the area, to meet work health and safety obligations.

Should you remove bonded asbestos yourself?

The safest and most reliable option is to use a licensed asbestos removalist. DIY removal is legal only in narrow circumstances and still carries significant health, legal and financial risks.

Some reasons you really should avoid DIY removal:

  • High risk of fibre release through incorrect cutting, drilling or handling.
  • Complex legal duties for containment, decontamination, transport and disposal.
  • Potential for heavy fines for illegal dumping or non‑compliant work.
  • Long‑term health liability for family members, tenants and workers.

What are the legal and safety obligations for businesses and builders?

Business owners, managers and construction companies have stricter duties than homeowners under work health and safety laws. Relying on DIY approaches is rarely appropriate or compliant.

Key obligations:

  • Identify and manage asbestos risks before demolition or renovation.
  • Engage licensed asbestos assessors and removalists for most work.
  • Implement an asbestos management plan where required.
  • Train workers, provide correct PPE and enforce safe work methods.
  • Keep records of removal, clearance and disposal.

What must you never do with asbestos?

Avoid these actions completely. Each can create serious health risks and legal consequences.

  • Do not dry‑sand, dry‑scrape, saw, drill or use power tools on asbestos materials.
  • Do not use high‑pressure water jets or abrasive cleaning on asbestos.
  • Do not break up asbestos sheets or crush asbestos waste.
  • Do not dispose of asbestos in household bins, general skip bins or illegal dump sites.
  • Do not reuse, store long‑term, recycle or move asbestos without proper controls.
  • Do not allow unprotected people, children or pets into the work area.

When must you call a licensed asbestos removalist?

Engage a licensed professional whenever the risk, area or legal status exceeds simple DIY conditions.

Call a licensed removalist if:

  • The bonded asbestos area exceeds 10 m².
  • The material is damaged, crumbling or in a high‑traffic area.
  • You are unsure whether the material is bonded or friable.
  • Work is being done for a business, rental property or as part of construction.
  • You want a guaranteed safe, compliant and documented outcome.

FAQs: bonded asbestos handling and disposal

What is bonded asbestos?

Bonded asbestos is a non‑friable asbestos-cement material in which fibres are tightly bound in a solid matrix, such as roofing, cladding or eaves.

Can I remove bonded asbestos myself in NSW?

You may remove up to 10 m² of bonded asbestos as a homeowner if you follow strict safety and disposal rules, but using a licensed removalist is strongly recommended.

What happens if I dump asbestos illegally?

Illegal dumping of asbestos can lead to very large fines, clean‑up costs, potential criminal charges, and serious community health risks.

Do I need a licence to remove more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos?

Yes. Over 10 m² of bonded asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist in NSW.

How do I know if my home has asbestos?

Homes built or renovated before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos. If in doubt, treat suspect material as asbestos and seek professional testing or advice.

How Around The House Asbestos Removal can help

At Around The House Asbestos Removal, we are proud of our reputation for safe, compliant, bonded asbestos removal Central Coast for homes, businesses, and construction sites.

We assess your property and identify bonded asbestos risks. Remove bonded asbestos using licensed methods and equipment, and leave your site clean and safe.

Read our bonded asbestos removal page for more information and contact us for a no‑obligation assessment and quote. Let us handle the risk so you can move forward with confidence.