July 26, 2024
South Burnett Regional Council has been forced to close part of the Cloyna Waste Transfer Facility due to the illegal dumping of asbestos.
A Council spokesperson said widespread asbestos-contaminated material had been detected across the site.
The Cloyna site will be closed to green waste, scrap metal and timber wastes until further notice.
Concrete or demolition wastes are not accepted at Cloyna and must be left at Council’s Murgon waste facility.
Acting Manager Environment & Planning Leo Jensen said the illegal dumping must stop.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for all residents, builders, tradespeople, home renovators, anyone who may be dealing with older building materials, to take extreme care when undertaking building works.” Mr Jensen said.
All fibrous type materials and asbestos containing materials should be carefully managed, wrapped, and disposed of at sites that are licensed to accept this material.
The Kingaroy and Nanango Transfer Stations can accept this waste with 48 hours notice required.
“I have no doubt some people know exactly what they are dealing with and abusing the facilities provided to accept waste,” Mr Jensen said.
“Due to its nature, asbestos containing materials are only accepted at Kingaroy and Nanango waste facilities.
“I am also concerned there are people renovating older homes, or older buildings, that do not know what they are dealing with.” Mr Jensen said.
The illegal dumping of asbestos places all parties who deal with waste at risk, from the contractors who pick up the bins, to staff and contractors who manage the landfill and waste facilities, and other community members who use the sites to dispose of their waste.
It’s also an inconvenience to those community members who do the right thing who lose access to the facility and must travel elsewhere to dispose of their waste.
- For more information about the safe and legal disposal of asbestos, visit Council’s website or www.asbestos.qld.gov.au
