Geraldton business and resident fined for dumping asbestos

A Geraldton-based business has been fined $4000 for the illegal dumping of asbestos in the builder’s waste area at the Meru Landfill.

In a separate incident a local resident was fined $1000 for burying asbestos waste under metal in the recycling area.

Another person was issued a warning for not declaring and properly disposing of the dangerous material.

City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Ross McKim said illegally dumping asbestos not only carried hefty fines, but could also have devastating consequences.

“It is concerning because it is hazardous waste and needs to be handled correctly, or it can pose a health risk to those handling it,” he said.

“This illegal dumping could endanger the health of other uses and Meru staff whose job it is to process and recover waste.

“It also contaminates the recyclable materials other residents and businesses have carefully separated.

“The removal of the illegally dumped asbestos and then remediation of the site also comes at a cost which often isn’t totally recovered by the fines imposed.”

At the landfill residents are charged $15 per sheet to dispose of up to 10m2 of asbestos. For businesses it costs $150 per tonne.

A licensed removalist is required for removing more than 10m2 of asbestos.

Mr McKim said attempting to avoid paying disposal fees was “unacceptable”.