Has anyone here had any experience with having asbestos removed? I've got a garden shed, maybe 4x4m and the walls are asbestos. I'd like to have it removed but have no idea how much this is likely to cost!
I'm also worried about hiring a "cowboy" who would contaminate my house and yard.
my tip, don't do it yourself. Asbestos is fine until it is disrupted. People have asbestos handing licenses for a reason.
From my understanding, it get's charged by the bag….and labour (obviously). Usually your local plumber (gas fitter) would be ok in dealing with that stuff, or will know a qualified tradie.
your yard is probably already contaminated from your house was built. i find little bits of fibro in the garden all the time. unless you are sawing or sanding it i don't think you should be overly paranoid about it.
I'd like to have it removed but have no idea how much this is likely to cost!
get some quotes
Despite the hype, asbestos isn't that bad if it is in solid sheets and kept damp or sealed (eg with paint). It can only harm you if you inhale fibres, and you can only inhale fibres if it is dry and dusty. I wouldn't recommend removing it yourself without some knowledge and precautions though.
Get some quotes. Don't pick anyone who appears dodgy, they will probably dump it in the bush but charge you full tipping fees.
It's ok. I put the sheets through a mulcher I hired and let it spray into the playground behind my house. Out of sight, out of mind ;)
You can do it yourself. You get special plastic bags to put it in, wet it down, break it up then take it to the tip. Where suitable protective gear.
My tip asks that you make an appointment ahead of time, and they will immediately bury it. They charge about $150 tonne for taking it.
Be aware disturbing the sheeting may expose dust/fibres inside wall cavities, so in many circumstances it is best left alone.
Also be aware that millions of aussies have had exposure to asbestos over their lives, and you have to be desperately unlucky to have a health issue from residential exposure.
You are dramatically more likely to die in a car crash than from asbestosis. But, of course, that is little comfort if you do have the bad luck.