How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost? [2024]

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can be found in many Australian homes. Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to severe health consequences and so asbestos should not be cut into or altered except by a professional. 

So, how much does asbestos removal cost?

It depends on the amount of asbestos that needs to be removed. Large amounts of asbestos needing to be removed can be an expensive process but it can improve your home and protect yourself or your family from a serious health hazard. 

1. The history of asbestos
2. What are the Asbestos laws in Australia?
3. Two types of asbestos
4. How much does asbestos removal cost?
5. Choosing an asbestos removal service

The history of asbestos

The history of asbestos goes back as far as the stone age. It’s been used for lamp wicks, as an embalming substance for Pharaohs and in cooking pots.

When asbestos was discovered as a building product, it was considered a miracle product and was used for house cladding, internal cladding, roofs, pipes and as insulation. Thousands of "fibro" homes were built using asbestos cladding because it was inexpensive and a good insulator.

By 1911, health concerns were raised about asbestos in Australia, but the solution authorities suggested was better ventilation systems for workers in asbestos mines. 

It wasn't until 1961 that more serious concerns were addressed and in 1970 building unions demanded the ban on asbestos. Asbestos began to be phased out, but it wasn't until 2003 that a full ban on the use of asbestos was put in place.

Because asbestos wasn't banned altogether until 2003, many homes still have asbestos in them.

Fibro homes are also still standing and continue to be sold. Many of them have asbestos cladding, interior walls and even roofing.

While the dangers of asbestos are well known, around 4,000 Australians die each year because of asbestos-related illnesses. According to the Department of Health, if a house was built before the mid-1980s, there is a good chance it has asbestos in it. If it was built after 1990, it may not contain asbestos.

What are the asbestos laws in Australia?

Since 2003, asbestos has been banned in Australia. While the substance is banned, there are still many Australian homes and buildings that have asbestos in them. To support the ban, other laws have been introduced to manage the safe removal and control of it. These come in several areas depending on the situation:

Work Health and Safety

In the workplace, asbestos is governed under WHS laws. Every state will have slightly different laws but the Safe Work Australia website has details about the laws. 

The individual laws can be found here

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act)
• Work Health and Safety Act Regulations 2011 (WHS Regulations).

Public Health and Safety 

If you have asbestos in your home, it is your responsibility to ensure that it does not become a health risk. Generally, this happens if you renovate or disturb the asbestos in any way. It’s important to understand that if you have people working in or around your home, like when you renovate, your home becomes a workplace. This makes it subject to the above laws. 

If you are unsure how to proceed there are groups you can contact:

• If work is being conducted by your neighbour, the homeowner or the tenant, then contact your local council
• When using professional contractors and worried about improper removal contact a state or territory WHS regulator 
• If you worry that the waste will impact public areas or that there is illegal dumping of asbestos contact either your local council or a state or territory WHS regulator 

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has the contact details in each state or territory.

Two types of asbestos

There are two types of asbestos. Bonded asbestos, or hard asbestos, is asbestos that has been bonded, such as exterior and interior cladding.

If left alone, bonded asbestos is not a health hazard, but if it is cut into, it can be a health hazard because it doesn't take much asbestos to cause respiratory problems that can get worse over time.

Friable asbestos, sometimes referred to as loose asbestos, is loose asbestos and it can be a major health concern because it can easily get into the air.

Loose-fill insulation used to be used in ceilings and can be a major health concern.

It has been removed from most buildings, but may still exist in some buildings. Other types of friable asbestos include:

• Low-density fibreboard
• Spray on asbestos, which was used for sound insulation
• Insulation on hot water pipes, domestic heaters and stoves
• As a backing material on floor tiles and vinyl floor tiles
• Carpet underlay
• Brick and plaster sealants

You never know if asbestos is present, but if a home was built before 1990, it may have asbestos, friable or bonded.

Rather than take a chance and remove floor tiles or hot water pipes, it's a good idea to have them tested before you remove them. A general rule of thumb is that if you have any doubts, assume that there is asbestos. 

Bonded asbestos can easily be released into the air if it is tampered with and it only takes a small amount to cause serious respiratory problems. If it is damaged, weathered or deteriorated it can still become a serious health hazard.

Friable asbestos is more easily released into the atmosphere and can linger or fall to the ground, where it can be released again.

Damage to bonded asbestos can make it friable asbestos and even brushing against it can release asbestos fibres.

How much does asbestos removal cost?

Asbestos removal is measured by the square metre and the cost will depend on where the asbestos is found.

Some factors to consider include:

• The amount of asbestos being removed
• The difficulty of access: asbestos roofing will cost more
• The condition of the asbestos: damaged asbestos will cost more
• Travel time may be factored into the cost

It can cost anywhere from $25 - $160 per metre squared and the cost will depend on the complexity of the job. Many asbestos removers have a minimum removal cost of $2,000. 

Usually, the process will start with an asbestos inspection which can cost on average around $400. An inspection service may cost up to $1000 or $1500 depending on how many samples need to be tested. If you've had a large amount of asbestos removed, the inspection can assure you there is no loose asbestos on your property or inside your home.

Some quotes will be by the metre square, tonne or sheet such as:

Type of asbestos removal: 

• Asbestos Ceiling - $40 to $100 (per m2)
• Asbestos Flooring - $100 to $900 (per m2)
• Asbestos Fencing - $25 to $50 (per sheet) 
• Soil - $187 (per tonne)

Other times you will get a quote for the total cost:

• Asbestos Roof - $3500 - $5500 (Total)
• Eaves - $1500 to $2500 (Total)
• External Cladding - $4000 to $5000 (Total)
• Internal Cladding (single room) - $1000 to $1500 (Total)

These are approximate prices based on averages and they will change depending on your situation and the factors above. One job may be more expensive than another and these prices may not include tipping charges. On average, the tip will charge $450.

Choosing an asbestos removal service

Asbestos removal services must have valid licences for their state.

Hiring an unlicensed contractor is against the law because asbestos removal services must be trained and able to remove asbestos without releasing any asbestos into the atmosphere.

After the asbestos is removed, it may be sealed in plastic before it is transported to the tip.

You can get quotes from asbestos removal services, but don't just choose the lowest quote.

Asbestos is not to be taken lightly and you want to know that a removal service will:

Provide you with references 

You may find a lower quote, but don't accept a lower quote unless the company can demonstrate its competence and provide you with references.

Have been in business for several years

A company that has been in business for a long time is probably a company that knows what they are doing, but you also want to check its safety record.

Carry insurance

Insurance is another important consideration because an uninsured asbestos removal service may not take their responsibilities as highly as a company that carries insurance.

Their insurance will protect you in case of a mishap.

You may also want to have your property inspected after the asbestos is removed.

It's worth mentioning again that asbestos removal is not something to take lightly.

Even small amounts of asbestos can be dangerous, so take every precaution and hire only the best asbestos removal company in your area.

Having an inspection after the asbestos is removed will give you the peace of mind you need to know your family is not in danger of asbestos exposure.

You want to be absolutely certain that asbestos is not present in the air and cost should be a secondary consideration.