Environmental and Public Health
Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)
Materials containing asbestos were very common in the Australian residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s before their production stopped.
The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally since 2003. The ban does not apply to asbestos installed prior to this date (eg. asbestos materials in houses).
Asbestos Containing Material is classified as a Regulated Waste under Queensland Government legislation and has specific requirements for the removal, transport and disposal of this waste.
IMPORTANT: Illegal dumping of asbestos containing material and other regulated waste is an offence and incurs significant penalties.
For information on the disposal of ACM please see the Waste Management page.
Hazardous Waste
Find out: What is Hazardous Waste? The Australian Government classification explains what is considered hazardous waste.
Regulated Waste
Regulated waste is commercial or industrial waste of a waste type listed in Schedule 7 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008.
Regulated wastes are hazardous wastes that have been deemed to be extremely harmful to the community and the environment and therefore require a higher level of regulation.
Council's waste facilities can only accept limited amounts of 'Limited Regulated Waste', which is a subcategory of the Regulated Waste classification.
For information on disposal of 'Limited Regulated Waste' please see the Waste Management page.
Medical Waste (Sharps, Needles and Dialysis Bags)
Whether disposing of medical waste for yourself or as a carer for a loved one, please check with your medical professionals, hospital and local chemist for where to dispose of this medical waste. Medical waste should be properly disposed into a Bio Hazard waste treatment system.
Needles are classified as medical waste and require a safe disposal system to contain them for disposal. Council recommends residents use the Australian standard yellow and black rigid wall plastic sharps containers that are clearly marked with hazardous waste signage to contain their used needles.
White Spot Disease
White Spot is a highly contagious viral infection that affects crustaceans such as prawns, crabs and yabbies. The white spot virus does not affect fish or other marine animals and is primarily spread by affected animals and contaminated water.
Suspected cases of white spot disease must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland immediately. Take note of the location and time and report this information to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
For more information on white spot disease, please visit http://www.daf.qld.gov.au or call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23.