Asbestos in mulch

Over the past few months there has been widespread community concern regarding asbestos contaminated mulch first discovered in NSW and subsequently in the ACT and Victoria. Regulators in these jurisdictions have been investigating the incidents and have provided updates on the NSW EPA, WorkSafe ACT and Environment Protection Authority Victoria websites. 

During this period, ASSEA responded to numerous enquiries from members of the public and the media. We also participated in a number of interviews for radio and print media, providing information about asbestos risks and our role. We emphasised how important it is that asbestos is properly identified, safely removed and disposed of before any demolition or renovation work is carried out, to prevent contamination of soil and recycled materials. 

At the ASBESTOS 2024 Conference, a representative from the NSW Environment Protection Authority provided an update on the challenges and learnings from the asbestos contaminated mulch incident in NSW. Legislation has subsequently passed in NSW strengthening the NSW EPA’s powers and increasing penalties for serious asbestos-related contraventions to $10 million for companies and $2 million for individuals.