Illegal disposal of asbestos-contaminated materials

We plan to determine whether responsible agencies have controls in place to minimise the illegal disposal of asbestos-contaminated materials (ACM).

Why this is important

The risk to public health and the environment from illegally dumped ACM is increasing. Our consultation and analysis show the biggest growth in illegal dumping of ACM is from smaller-scale domestic construction and demolition waste operations.

EPA’s new waste tracker system tracks and records hazardous waste from licensed, commercial, and large-scale waste management operations. Responsible agencies do not have central oversight of illegal asbestos disposal, particularly from small scale operators. Data on illegally dumped ACM is limited and not accurately recorded or shared. Agencies also do not accurately report compliance and enforcement activities and outcomes.

In July 2021, Sustainability Victoria (SV), a statutory authority established under the Sustainability Victoria Act 2005, released its 10-year Asbestos Disposal Management Plan (the strategy). SV plans to make the legal disposal of ACM more convenient by developing a network of existing licensed landfills that will accept ACM. It is also piloting the establishment of new asbestos transfer sites.

What we plan to examine

In this reasonable assurance performance audit, we will assess whether the strategy and the agencies responsible for implementing it are effectively targeting smaller-scale illegal dumping activities. We will also review how the agencies cooperate to improve knowledge and data collection, to ensure they are coordinating intelligence and risk-based actions to minimise the illegal ACM disposal.

We propose to scope DELWP, EPA, Hume City Council, Moreland Council, Parks Victoria, SV and WorkSafe Victoria into this engagement.

Timeframe

2023‒24
 

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