How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Australia?

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Australia

Buying a property? Renovating a house? No matter where you are in your home renovation journey in Australia, there is always a danger you can’t avoid, such as pest infestation, mold, and asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous material that causes health hazards if not controlled by an expert.

Asbestos was once used in the construction industry due to its durability, insulation, and fire-resistant properties, as well as its cost-effectiveness. Today, we are aware of its risk, which is why asbestos removal is important when renovating or demolishing a house.

In this guide, you will learn about how to dispose of asbestos, asbestos removal costs, and what factors affect the cost.

Understanding Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is a procedure for removing and disposing of asbestos to rid of harmful asbestos fibres. It was found that inhaling it could cause serious health complications such as asbestosis and lung cancer. After its permanent ban in 2003, cellulose fibres, fiberglass, and mineral wool were used as a better alternative to asbestos, as they don’t affect your health when inhaled.  

However, older homes may still contain asbestos, and choosing a licensed asbestos removal service is critical for protecting the health of the household and complying with Australian regulations.

Factors that affect asbestos removal costs

Factors such as location, volume, type of asbestos, and many more may increase or decrease the cost of asbestos removal.

Location & Accessibility

Where you live can heavily impact the cost of removing asbestos from a house. If you live near major cities, asbestos remediation costs will be relatively higher due to the higher demand for asbestos removal compared to rural areas, resulting in higher disposal fees, labour costs, and regulatory requirements. If the asbestos is present in harder-to-reach places, it requires a longer time for removal, increasing the overall asbestos removal cost.

Volume of Asbestos

The amount of asbestos present to be removed also determines the cost of asbestos removal. The larger the area it covers, the higher the cost of labour and resources needed for asbestos removal. Removing asbestos from the living room costs less compared to asbestos removal needed for the whole house. Since the volume is larger, it requires higher asbestos disposal fees.

Complexity

Every asbestos removal job is different and requires special treatment. The complexity of asbestos removal will impact the asbestos removal cost. It is a challenging job that requires more time and more labour, which in turn increases the asbestos removal cost. In situations, it requires the use of specialised tools and protection equipment as a safety measure to avoid inhaling asbestos fibres, which directly or indirectly increases both time and asbestos removal costs.

Disposal Cost

After the asbestos is safely removed, you need to understand how to dispose of asbestos legally and safely, under Australian health and safety regulations. Since asbestos removal must be conducted in a secure and controlled environment, the waste must be taken to a licensed facility that handles hazardous materials. The asbestos removal cost, as well as asbestos disposal, varies depending on the volume of asbestos, as a larger volume requires a higher cost to get rid of asbestos.

Labour Cost & Experience

The number of people needed can affect the cost of asbestos removal. A larger project will require more labour, which directly affects the labour cost. You will also be required to contact an expert who specialises in asbestos removal, as untrained individuals are unable to handle asbestos without proper safety precautions. Since the licensed individual went through professional training, they require a higher labour cost.

Safety Equipment

When handling hazardous materials such as asbestos, you need to buy or rent safety equipment. Professionals often use rented equipment such as respirators, negative air filters to filter out harmful particles from the air, and HEPA vacuums to clean up after asbestos work as well as containment bags to dispose of the asbestos, which is often factored into the asbestos remediation cost.

Average Cost of Asbestos Removal in Australia

The Average asbestos remediation cost for a standard home can vary widely, particularly if the asbestos is in hard-to-reach areas or if the contamination is extensive. Properties with complex structures or older buildings may require more effort and specialized handling, which can further increase the overall cost of removing asbestos from a house. It’s also important to consider that asbestos disposal regulations and licensing requirements can differ between states and territories, which can impact pricing. Moreover, if there are unpaid medical bills or legal considerations, those could influence total costs, especially in cases involving health damage from asbestos exposure.

While the removing asbestos cost can seem high, it is critical for ensuring long-term health and safety. Hiring qualified professionals helps reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous fibres and ensures that all regulations are properly followed. Disposing of asbestos safely is not only a legal responsibility but a necessary step to protect your family and property.

Type of Asbestos

Understanding how to handle both friable and non-friable asbestos is important when removing asbestos.

Friable Asbestos

This material contains a high percentage of asbestos fibres and can easily break apart when disturbed, which is why it comes with higher asbestos remediation costs due to the increased health risk and necessary safety precautions. Since it releases asbestos fibres into the air, which causes lung-related problems. It is most commonly found in insulation, ceiling tiles, and spray coating. It takes special techniques and more time to take care of because it can easily release harmful asbestos fibres.

Non-friable (Bonded) Asbestos

Non-friable asbestos cannot break as easily as friable asbestos and is tightly compacted. This makes it less likely to become airborne, reducing cost as well as the risk of exposure compared to friable asbestos. However, it can turn friable upon damage or be disturbed during construction and demolition, which raises the cost of removing asbestos

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Removal

Cost is a defining factor when it comes to asbestos removal. Below is a comparison of DIY and Professional asbestos removal.

Method

DIY Asbestos Removal

Professional Asbestos Removal

Asbestos Removal Cost

Generally, lower upfront cost

May involve higher cost depending on the scope

Why Prefer?

Suitable for very small, clearly isolated areas where the budget is tight

Ideal for large or complex areas requiring secure and compliant handling

Consideration

Should only be done for small areas (e.g., less than 10m²) and must strictly follow safety protocols

Offers better safety, legal compliance, and peace of mind

When looking at the comparison, it may seem as if DIY asbestos removal is preferred; however, that is not the case, as it is not recommended unless necessary and permitted by local regulations. Improper handling can lead to health risks. It is better to choose a professional asbestos removal service as trained experts ensure proper safety, disposal, and compliance with government standards, even if it comes at a higher cost.

Conclusion

Asbestos removal is an important step when maintaining a safe and healthy living environment in Australia. The cost of removing asbestos from a house can vary significantly based on the location, its type and quantity of asbestos, as well as the difficulty of the task. Safety and adherence to legal requirements should always come first, whether you choose a professional removal service or think about doing some DIY work. By clearly understanding the true asbestos removal cost, its breakdown, and the risk involved, you’ll be informed when renovating your house or when purchasing a property.

Do you need help with the cost of getting rid of asbestos or how to dispose of asbestos safely? You can avoid taking a risk and contact us to get a licensed asbestos removal expert in Sydney and get a professional assessment and a quote today.

FAQs

The average cost of asbestos removal in Australia varies depending on different aspects such as the volume of asbestos, the type of asbestos, the complexity, labour cost, location, and safety equipment cost, which adds to the cost to be higher than expected.

Asbestos removal is necessary because when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers are released. If not handled safely, these fibers can lead to health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Since DIY requires you to get hands-on with asbestos, which has health risks. It is preferred to get professional asbestos removal for the following reasons:

  • Health concern
  • Safety regulation
  • Legal compliance
  • Long-term cost saving

You can remove asbestos no larger than 10m2; however, it is recommended to get professional help for asbestos removal, as it has health risks that don’t make it worth choosing DIY asbestos removal.

The factors that affect the cost of asbestos removal are listed below:

  • Type of asbestos
  • Volume of Asbestos
  • Complexity 
  • Labour Cost
  • Disposal Cost
  • Safety Equipment
  • Location and Accessibility

Friable asbestos has loose fibers, making it easily breakable due to hand pressure, which requires handling it with utmost care; however, non-friable asbestos has compact fibers that bond to materials like cement, making it difficult to remove. If damaged, the fibres can break, causing asbestos fibers to affect one’s health.

The duration of asbestos removal varies depending on various factors such as the size of the area affected, the type of asbestos, accessibility, and the removal method used.
Small Size(single room): 1-2 days
Medium Size(multiple rooms/garage): 3-5 days
Large Size(commercial building)- 1 week – several months