What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of natural fibrous minerals that were added to cement, insulation and flooring because they are strong, cheap and fire resistant. Around one in three Australian homes built before 1990 contains asbestos. In Sydney it is especially common in post-war fibro cottages across Western Sydney, the Sutherland Shire and the Northern Beaches.
Where is asbestos found in Sydney homes?
- Fibro (fibre cement) external and internal walls
- Corrugated 'Super Six' roofing on houses, garages and sheds
- Eaves, soffits and gable ends
- Fibro fences between neighbours
- Wet-area walls behind bathroom and laundry tiles
- Vinyl floor tiles and the black adhesive beneath them
- Textured 'popcorn' ceilings
- Hot water and heating pipe lagging
- Electrical meter boards
- Soil around older homes after demolition
Not sure? Start with professional asbestos testing and inspection.
Bonded vs friable asbestos
| Type | Examples | Risk | Who can remove it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonded (non-friable) | Fibro sheets, roofing, fences, eaves | Lower while intact | Up to 10 m² DIY; above that Class B licence |
| Friable | Pipe lagging, sprayed insulation, damaged sheeting | High | Class A licence only |
Health risks of asbestos
Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, often 20–40 years after exposure. There is no known safe level of exposure. If material is damaged, stop work, keep people away, don't sweep or vacuum, and call a licensed removalist — see our emergency asbestos response.
Asbestos removal services
Licensed removal of bonded and friable asbestos from Sydney homes – fibro walls, eaves, vinyl tiles, popcorn ceilings, and more.
Class A & B commercial asbestos removal for offices, factories, warehouses, schools and strata properties across Sydney.
Safe removal and replacement of asbestos cement (Super Six) roofing with full encapsulation, dust suppression and EPA disposal.
Licensed removal of asbestos cement fencing with sealed transport and same-day disposal at EPA-approved facilities.
Specialist removal of asbestos eaves, soffits and gable ends, including replacement with compliant fibre cement sheeting.
Identification, excavation and remediation of asbestos-contaminated soil with full validation reporting and clearance certification.
Complete demolition and licensed disposal of asbestos garages, sheds and outbuildings across Greater Sydney.
NATA-accredited asbestos sampling, testing and written identification reports for property owners, agents and builders.
24/7 same-day emergency asbestos response for storm damage, accidental disturbance and unsafe asbestos exposure.
EPA-compliant transport and disposal of bonded and friable asbestos waste at licensed Sydney facilities, with manifest documentation.
NSW rules and disposal
- SafeWork NSW requires a Class B licence for more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos and a Class A licence for any friable asbestos.
- A clearance certificate is needed after licensed removal before the area is re-occupied.
- Waste must be wetted, double-wrapped in 0.2 mm plastic, labelled and taken to an EPA-licensed facility — never kerbside bins.
- Renovation or demolition may need council approval (DA or CDC).
Read more about licensed asbestos disposal or see typical prices in the asbestos removal cost guide.
Asbestos removal across Sydney
Eastern Suburbs
Inner West
Upper North Shore
Northern Sydney
Western Sydney
North Western Sydney
South West Sydney
Sutherland Shire
Illawarra
Hunter Region
Asbestos FAQs
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was mixed into building products such as fibro sheeting, roofing, eaves, vinyl tiles and pipe lagging. It was used widely in Sydney homes built before 1990 and was banned across Australia on 31 December 2003.
How do I know if my Sydney house has asbestos?
If your home was built or renovated before 1990 it is likely to contain asbestos somewhere. You cannot tell by looking — the only reliable way is to have a sample tested by a NATA-accredited laboratory or to book a licensed asbestos inspection.
Is asbestos dangerous if it is left alone?
Bonded asbestos in good condition is generally low risk while it stays undisturbed. The danger comes when it is cut, drilled, sanded, broken or weathered, which releases fibres that can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
What is the difference between bonded and friable asbestos?
Bonded (non-friable) asbestos is held in a solid material like cement sheeting and needs a Class B licence to remove above 10 m². Friable asbestos crumbles by hand pressure, releases fibres easily and must only be removed by a Class A licensed removalist.
Can I remove asbestos myself in NSW?
You may legally remove up to 10 m² of bonded asbestos without a licence in NSW if you follow SafeWork NSW guidance. Anything larger needs a Class B licensed removalist, and all friable asbestos needs a Class A licensed removalist.
How is asbestos disposed of in Sydney?
Asbestos waste must be wetted, double-wrapped in heavy-duty 0.2 mm plastic, labelled and taken to an EPA-licensed waste facility. It must never go in council kerbside bins, skip bins or general waste.
Written by Ayman, Owner & Lead Asbestos Removal Specialist — NSW SafeWork Licence #AD214330, 10+ years removing asbestos across Sydney.