Free Asbestos Pick-Up NSW 2027 – What Northern Rivers Homeowners Need to Know

The NSW Government has announced a new free household asbestos pick-up and disposal service, with a two-year trial expected to begin in 2027.

The program is part of the NSW Asbestos Plan of Action and aims to make it easier and more affordable for households to dispose of asbestos safely while reducing illegal dumping.

For homeowners across Byron Bay, Ballina, Tweed, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Murwillumbah and the Northern Rivers, the program could change how smaller quantities of household asbestos waste are disposed of.

When Does Free Asbestos Pick-Up Start in NSW?

The free asbestos collection service is not operating yet.

The NSW Government announced the program in July 2026, with $9 million allocated to establish a two-year household asbestos collection trial expected to commence in 2027.

Further information about eligibility, collection limits, participating areas and how households can arrange a collection is expected as the program is developed.

XCEL Environmental will update this page when further details are released.

Will Asbestos Removal Be Free?

No. It is important to distinguish between asbestos removal and asbestos waste collection and disposal.

The announced program provides for free household asbestos waste pick-up and disposal. It does not mean professional asbestos removal, testing or assessment will become free.

Current NSW asbestos removal requirements will continue to apply.

More than 10m² of non-friable asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist.

Any amount of friable asbestos requires a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.

Even where homeowners are legally permitted to remove a small quantity of non-friable asbestos themselves, professional asbestos removal is strongly recommended.

What Types of Asbestos Could Be Found in Northern Rivers Homes?

Many homes constructed or renovated before 1990 may contain asbestos-containing materials.

Around Byron Bay, Ballina, Tweed and the wider Northern Rivers, asbestos may be found in areas including:

• External fibre cement wall cladding

• Eaves and soffits

• Bathroom, laundry and kitchen wall sheeting

• Internal wall and ceiling linings

• Corrugated fibre cement roofing

• Super Six fencing

• Vinyl flooring and backing products

• Electrical meter boards

• Sheds, garages and outbuildings

You cannot reliably determine whether a building material contains asbestos simply by looking at it.

Testing by a NATA-accredited laboratory can confirm whether a suspected material contains asbestos.

Can I Keep Asbestos at Home Until Free Pick-Up Starts?

Don’t remove asbestos now simply to store it while waiting for the free service.

If asbestos-containing material is currently in good condition and isn’t going to be disturbed, removal may not be necessary.

If asbestos waste is already present on your property, it needs to be appropriately packaged, labelled and stored so that it does not create a risk to people or the environment.

If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, XCEL Environmental can inspect and test suspected asbestos and advise on the appropriate next step.

Already Have Asbestos Waste That Needs Disposal?

You don’t need to wait until 2027.

Under current NSW requirements, asbestos waste must be taken to a waste facility licensed to accept asbestos.

XCEL Environmental can assist Northern Rivers property owners with asbestos assessment, removal, packaging, transport and lawful disposal.

Planning a Renovation?

If your home was constructed or renovated before 1990, consider asbestos testing before demolition or renovation work starts.

Finding asbestos after a bathroom, kitchen, wall or ceiling has already been disturbed can turn a straightforward renovation into a contamination issue.

XCEL Environmental provides asbestos testing and assessment to help identify potential asbestos-containing materials before work begins.

Licensed Asbestos Services – Byron Bay & Northern Rivers

XCEL Environmental provides professional asbestos services throughout the Northern Rivers, including:

• Asbestos testing and identification

• Asbestos inspections and surveys

• Licensed non-friable asbestos removal

• Asbestos waste collection and transport

• Asbestos disposal

• Clearance inspections and certificates

• Asbestos registers and management plans

• Pre-renovation and pre-demolition asbestos assessments

We service Byron Bay, Ballina, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and surrounding Northern Rivers areas.

Need Help With Asbestos Now?

The NSW free household asbestos pick-up program is an important development, but you don’t need to wait for the scheme if you have asbestos that needs to be identified, removed or disposed of now.

Contact XCEL Environmental for asbestos testing, assessment, licensed removal or disposal across Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers.

Information current July 2026. The NSW household asbestos collection program is still being developed. Eligibility, collection limits and other conditions may change as further details are announced.