ASBESTOS REMOVAL MELBOURNE
Professional asbestos testing, removal, and disposal by licensed contractors across Melbourne. DemRev connects you with Class A and Class B removalists who do the job safely, legally, and affordably.
WHY ASBESTOS IS DANGEROUS
Asbestos was widely used in Australian construction from the 1940s through to the late 1980s. It was valued for its fire resistance, insulation properties, and durability. Today, we know that disturbing asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air that, when inhaled, can cause serious and often fatal diseases.
The three main asbestos-related diseases are mesothelioma (an aggressive cancer of the lung lining), asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue), and lung cancer. Symptoms may not appear for 20–40 years after exposure, making prevention absolutely critical.
If your Melbourne home was built before 1990, it almost certainly contains asbestos in some form. It's not dangerous if undisturbed — but any renovation, demolition, or maintenance work that breaks, cuts, drills, or sands asbestos-containing materials can release deadly fibres.
COMMON LOCATIONS IN MELBOURNE HOMES
Asbestos wasn't just in one place — it was used in hundreds of building products. Here are the most common locations in Melbourne homes.
Eaves, Soffits & Fascia
Flat fibre cement sheets (often called "fibro") were commonly used for eaves and soffits on Melbourne homes from the 1950s–1980s. These are one of the most frequent asbestos finds during renovation.
Wall Cladding & Sheeting
Fibro cement wall cladding (flat or textured), internal wall linings, and wet area panels in bathrooms and laundries. Super Six corrugated sheeting on garages and sheds is almost always asbestos.
Roofing
Corrugated cement roofing sheets, roof shingles, and ridge capping. Common on homes, garages, and carports built before 1985. Often weathered and brittle, making them more hazardous to disturb.
Insulation & Backing
Loose-fill asbestos insulation (Mr Fluffy, though rare in Victoria), backing boards behind heaters and stoves, and electrical switchboard backing. Millboard insulation is particularly friable and dangerous.
Flooring
Vinyl floor tiles (particularly 9"×9" tiles), vinyl sheet flooring backing, and the adhesive ("black mastic") used to stick them down. Often found in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms of 1960s–70s homes.
Fencing & Outbuildings
Asbestos cement fencing panels were extremely popular in Melbourne's suburbs. Garden sheds, outside toilets, and laundry lean-tos often used fibro sheets for walls and roofing.
HOW ASBESTOS REMOVAL WORKS
Testing & Identification
A sample of the suspected material is collected and sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis. Results typically take 2–5 business days. Testing costs $30–$80 per sample and is essential before any work begins.
Assessment & Quoting
Once confirmed, a licensed assessor determines the type of asbestos (friable or non-friable), quantity, condition, and the safest removal method. You receive a detailed scope of work and fixed-price quote.
WorkSafe Notification
For friable asbestos or quantities over 10m², removal must be notified to WorkSafe Victoria at least 5 days before work begins. Your licensed contractor handles all regulatory requirements.
Safe Removal
Trained workers in full protective equipment set up containment areas, wet the material to suppress dust, carefully remove the asbestos, and double-bag it in sealed, labelled bags for transport.
Licensed Disposal
Asbestos waste is transported in sealed, leak-proof vehicles to EPA-licensed disposal facilities. It cannot go in general waste, skip bins, or regular tips. Your contractor provides disposal certificates.
Clearance Certificate
After removal, the site is inspected and air monitoring is conducted to confirm it's safe. You receive a clearance certificate — often required by councils before renovation or demolition work can continue.
VICTORIAN ASBESTOS LAWS
Homeowner Removal Limit
In Victoria, homeowners can remove up to 10m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos from their own residential property. Anything over 10m², or any friable asbestos, must be removed by a licensed professional.
Licence Classes
Class A removalists can remove both friable and non-friable asbestos. Class B removalists can only remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos. DemRev connects you with the right licence class for your situation.
Pre-Demolition Requirement
All asbestos must be identified and removed before a demolition permit is issued. An asbestos assessment report from a qualified occupational hygienist is mandatory for the permit application.
Disposal Requirements
Asbestos must be wrapped, sealed, labelled, and transported to an EPA-licensed facility. Illegal dumping of asbestos carries penalties of up to $800,000 for individuals in Victoria.
Renovation & Sale Obligations
If you're selling a property built before 1990, you should disclose known asbestos. If you're renovating, any asbestos must be safely removed before tradespeople begin work on the affected areas.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL COSTS
* Prices are estimates including GST. Costs depend on asbestos type, quantity, access, and condition. Get a free quote for accurate pricing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if my home has asbestos?
If your home was built before 1990, there’s a strong chance it contains asbestos. Common locations include eaves, wall cladding, roofing, bathroom linings, vinyl floor tiles, and fencing. The only way to confirm is professional testing by a NATA-accredited laboratory. Never attempt to identify asbestos by breaking or disturbing materials. Read our full guide on how to identify asbestos in your home.
How much does asbestos removal cost in Melbourne?
Costs vary widely depending on the type and amount of asbestos. A small job (under 10m², such as eaves or a meter board) typically costs $1,500–$3,000. Medium jobs (roofing, bathroom, one side of cladding) run $3,000–$8,000. Full house removal ranges from $8,000–$30,000+. Friable asbestos removal starts at $20,000. Read our full asbestos removal cost guide for a detailed breakdown.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Under Victorian law, you can only remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos yourself — and strict WorkSafe conditions apply, including wetting, wrapping in 200μm polyethylene, labelling, and disposal at an EPA-licensed facility. Any friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed removalist. For anything over 10m² of non-friable asbestos, a Class B licence is required. Penalties for illegal removal are up to $180,000 for individuals.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
Generally, yes — as long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and undisturbed. Asbestos only becomes dangerous when fibres are released into the air through damage, deterioration, drilling, cutting, or sanding. If your asbestos materials are intact and you’re not planning renovations, they can usually be safely managed in place with regular monitoring.
What’s the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?
Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is mixed with cement or other binding materials and is solid — things like cement sheeting, vinyl tiles, and roofing. It’s lower risk when undisturbed. Friable asbestos can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure — such as loose-fill insulation, pipe lagging, and some spray-on coatings. Friable asbestos is far more dangerous, more expensive to remove, and requires a Class A licensed removalist.
How long does asbestos removal take?
A small residential job (eaves, a few sheets) typically takes 1–2 days. Medium jobs like roof removal or bathroom strip take 2–5 days. A full house strip before demolition typically takes 3–7 days. Friable asbestos removal takes longer due to additional containment, decontamination, and air monitoring requirements. Your contractor will provide a timeline during the quoting process.
What happens during the asbestos removal process?
The process follows strict WorkSafe Victoria procedures: site inspection and asbestos identification, WorkSafe notification (minimum 5 business days before work begins), site setup including barriers, signage, and containment, controlled removal using wet methods to minimise fibre release, double-wrapping in labelled polyethylene for transport, disposal at an EPA-licensed facility, air monitoring and clearance inspection, and finally a clearance certificate confirming the site is safe.
Do I need to leave my home during asbestos removal?
For small non-friable jobs in a contained area (like external eaves or fencing), you can usually remain at home. For larger jobs — especially roof removal or anything involving friable asbestos — you’ll need to vacate the immediate area during removal. Your contractor will advise on specific requirements based on the scope and location of the work.
What is a clearance certificate?
A clearance certificate is an official document issued after asbestos removal confirming that the site has been properly decontaminated and is safe for reoccupation or further construction work. For friable asbestos, clearance must include air monitoring results from a licensed assessor. You’ll need this certificate before demolition can proceed or before a building permit can be issued.
How do I dispose of small amounts of asbestos?
If you’ve legally removed a small amount (under 10m² non-friable), it must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty polyethylene (200μm minimum), clearly labelled with asbestos warning signs, and taken to an EPA-licensed disposal facility. Never put asbestos in regular rubbish bins, skip bins, or recycling. Check with your local council for the nearest licensed disposal site — most charge a per-tonne disposal fee.
Do you service my area?
DemRev covers all of Melbourne and surrounding suburbs for asbestos removal, including inner-city properties with restricted access. We also service Adelaide and South Australia. Check our service areas or request a free quote to confirm coverage.
GET YOUR FREE ASBESTOS REMOVAL QUOTE
Whether you need testing, removal, or a pre-demolition asbestos strip, we'll connect you with licensed removalists in your area. Safe, compliant, and competitively priced.