Illawarra Asbestos Removal and Hazardous Waste Disposal

Whether you’re planning a renovation, demolition, or just want peace of mind, Illawarra Demolition handles asbestos removal and hazardous waste disposal safely and legally.

We’re fully licensed, locally based, and we know the Illawarra inside out.

Asbestos in the Illawarra, What You Need to Know

In the Illawarra, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, and the surrounding suburbs, structures built between the 1940s and late 1980s used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in everything from roof sheeting and wall linings to floor tiles and pipe lagging.

The good news is that asbestos that’s in good condition and left undisturbed poses a low risk. The problem starts when it’s damaged, deteriorating, or disturbed during building work, and that’s when you need a licensed professional.

Friable vs Non-Friable Asbestos, Know the Difference

Not all asbestos is the same. Understanding the two main types helps explain why some Illawarra Asbestos Removal jobs are more complex and costly than others.

Non-Friable Asbestos (Bonded)

Non-friable asbestos is bound tightly within a solid material, such as fibro sheeting, roof tiles, or vinyl floor tiles. It’s the most common type found in residential properties across the Illawarra.

It is considered low risk when in good condition and may be removed by a licensed non-friable asbestos removalist.

Friable Asbestos (Loose)

Friable asbestos is the dangerous type. It crumbles easily, releasing fibres into the air where they can be inhaled and may cause serious disease.

Often found in pipe insulation, loose-fill insulation, and spray-on coatings, friable asbestos must be handled by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.

Our Asbestos Removal Process

Our asbestos removal Illawarra process helps keep your property, your family, and our team safe.

Site Assessment and Inspection

A site inspection helps identify the type, location, and condition of any likely asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos Management Plan and Notifications

We are familiar with the current regulations and handle all necessary SafeWork NSW notifications on your behalf.

Site Preparation and Containment

The work area is sealed off, and warning signs are erected as required by law. Workers on-site wear Personal protective equipment (PPE).

Asbestos Removal

Our licensed removalists carefully remove all ACMs using approved methods and tools. We wet-down materials to suppress dust and fibres throughout the removal process.

Cleaning and Air Monitoring

Once removal is complete, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and independent air monitoring may be carried out to confirm the site is safe before re-entry.

Legal Disposal at an Approved Facility

All asbestos waste is sealed, labelled, and transported to an EPA-approved waste facility in the Illawarra. We provide you with a waste disposal certificate for your records.

Other Hazardous Waste

Our team often comes across a variety of hazardous materials that require careful handling and specialist disposal.

Types of Hazardous Waste We Handle

  • Lead-based paint
  • Contaminated soil and synthetic fibres, such as fibreglass insulation and rockwool
  • Chemicals and solvents, left behind in sheds, workshops, and industrial sites

Why Hazardous Waste Disposal Matters

Disposing of Illawarra hazardous waste incorrectly is a serious risk to public health, the environment, and it’s illegal. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has strict regulations regarding the classification, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.

Illawarra Demolition works strictly within these guidelines. We use licenced waste carriers and approved disposal facilities, and we provide full documentation for every job.

Why Choose Illawarra Demolition for Asbestos and Hazardous Waste?

There are plenty of contractors out there, but here’s why our clients across the Illawarra keep coming back to us.

  • We hold all the required NSW licences, and we are fully insured for asbestos and hazardous waste removal
  • As a locally-based team, we understand the challenges posed by the Illawarra’s building stock, councils, and disposal facilities
  • We provide a detailed, free quote for each project. No hidden costs, no nasty surprises
  • Our all-in-one service means we handle asbestos, hazardous waste, and demolition, saving you time and money

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. In NSW, any removal of more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. All friable asbestos removal, regardless of quantity, requires a Class A licence. Illawarra Demolition holds the appropriate licences for all types of asbestos removal.

Many buildings constructed or renovated before 1990 contain asbestos. You should arrange to have samples tested by a NATA-accredited laboratory. We can arrange an inspection and, if needed, sampling as part of our initial assessment.

In most cases, asbestos removal as part of a renovation or demolition project is not covered by standard home insurance. However, some policies do cover unexpected asbestos removal. We recommend checking with your insurer. We can provide all the documentation your insurer may require.

Asbestos waste must be taken to an EPA-approved facility. There are approved disposal points in the Illawarra region and Greater Wollongong area. We handle all transport and disposal as part of our service, and we provide a disposal certificate at the end of every job.

A Class B licence covers the removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos only. Only Class A licence holders can handle friable asbestos. Illawarra Demolition is licensed to handle both, so you only ever need one call.

Yes. Because we offer both asbestos removal and full demolition services, we can manage the entire process from start to finish. This saves you the hassle of coordinating multiple contractors and often reduces the overall project cost.

Older properties across the Illawarra may contain asbestos, lead-based paint, contaminated soil, synthetic mineral fibres, and old chemical storage. Our team is trained to identify and safely manage all of these during a demolition project.