Asbestos and hazardous waste

Before conducting ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) projects around the home you must be aware of the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992 and health risks associated with handling asbestos products.
 
The above mentioned regulations set out requirements for the removal of asbestos throughout Western Australia and apply to both commercial sites and residential homes. Please take note of safe disposal requirements stipulated in the above mentioned regulation.
 
There is no possible way for an individual to determine with certainty that a product contains asbestos fibers, as the only conclusive way is by microscopic examination by an accredited laboratory.
 
Before undergoing a DIY project involving products which may potentially contain asbestos fibers consider engaging a licensed asbestos professional to assist.

The nearest transfer station to Subiaco accepting asbestos waste is West Metro Recycling Centre, on the corner of Brockway Road and Lemnos Street, Shenton Park.

Disposal of asbestos at this site is subject to meeting requirements. For more information on these guidelines please visit the Western Metropolitan Regional Council website.

For more disposal locations please refer to Recycle Right's 'Find My Nearest' tool. 

Household hazardous waste products can cause harm to the environment and to personal health, so it’s important to know the right ways to dispose of them. Because of their dangerous properties, you can’t dispose of them in your green waste bin, recycling bin or even your bulk verge collection.

Residential quantities of household hazardous waste can be dropped off at the West Metro Recycling Centre in Shenton Park, free of charge. Alternatively, find a list of other drop-off locations here. 

Household hazardous waste includes:

• acids

• aerosols

• alkalis

• batteries (lead-acid and dry-cell. Dry-cell batteries can also be dropped off at Bunnings Homebase Subiaco)

• compact fluorescent lights and tubes 

• cyanides

• engine coolants and glycols

• fire extinguishers (non-halon only)

• flammable liquids (e.g. fuels and hydrocarbons)

• flammable solids

• flares

• general household chemicals (e.g. cleaning products)

• heavy metal compounds

• inorganic oxidising agents (e.g. pool chlorine)

• smoke detectors

• mercury (e.g. thermometres)

• organic peroxides

• paint (for home tips on disposing of paint, read the APMF brochure)

• PCB materials (e.g. transformers, generators, capacitors, fluorescent light fittings, electric motors, ceiling fans and dishwasher assembled prior to 1980)

• pesticides

• solvents.
  
   

For all commercial hazardous waste enquiries, please call the City on 9237 9254.

Household hazardous waste may be dropped off at the West Metro Recycling Centre, on the corner of Brockway Road and Lemnos Street, Shenton Park. For your safety, there are precautions you should follow when transporting chemicals to the Recycling Centre:

• keep chemicals in their original containers

• ensure lids fit tightly

• place containers of liquids in a tray or plastic bucket so that they do not spill or fall

• pack powders and solids securely

• keep corrosive chemicals, such as battery acid, away from poisons

• keep oxidising agents, such as peroxide, away for other materials

• protect taps on drums so taps do not break off

• travel with your car windows down if carrying flammable or odorous materials

• double-wrap old liquid containers in plastic bags to prevent leaking.

For more information, visit the Western Metropolitan Regional Council website.

• Asbestos Awareness website

• Department of Health publication: Asbestos–A guide for householders and the general public (PDF, 4.6MB)

• Government of Western Australia, Department of Health publication: Asbestos in and around your home: What is the risk for disease? (PDF, 152KB)

Should you have any questions regarding the above information please contact the city’s Environmental Health Services team on 9237 9222.