How to Choose the Right Asbestos Removal Services in Sydney 

If your home was built before 1990 in Sydney, there is a possibility that asbestos may be present in areas such as eaves, garage roofs, bathrooms, wall sheeting and flooring.

Finding asbestos in your home does not necessarily mean you need to take immediate action. However, depending on its condition and the work planned for the property, it may need to be safely managed or professionally removed.

The purpose of this guide is to help you find a legitimate and reliable company for asbestos removal in Sydney and understand what you should look for when comparing removal services and quotes.

This guide covers important information that is often overlooked when choosing an asbestos removal company, including asbestos licence classes, the legal removal process, removal costs and the questions you should ask an asbestos removalist. You can also learn more about the legal removal process before starting asbestos removal, renovation or demolition work.

Do You Have Asbestos? Start Here 

Between the years of 1921 and the late 1980s, asbestos was used in the building of more than one million homes in Australia. Materials containing asbestos include:

 

• • Corrugated roofing and eaves sheets (fibro)

• • Fencing sheets

• • Vinyl flooring and the backing and glue used in flooring

• • Bathroom and laundry wall linings

• • Electrical switchboards and backing boards

There are no reliable means by which you can positively identify asbestos-containing material. The only way to confirm or deny the presence of asbestos is to have a sample tested by a NATA-endorsed laboratory. Do not attempt to take samples by drilling or scraping.

Understanding Asbestos Removal Licences in NSW 

This is the part of asbestos removal guides that is usually lacking and is one of the most crucial parts.

Licence type	What it covers	When you need it
Class B (non-friable/bonded)	Sheeting where asbestos fibres are bound in cement — most fibro roofs, walls, fences	Any job over 10 sqm of bonded ACM
Class A (friable)	Loose, crumbly, or damaged material that can release fibres easily (old pipe lagging, damaged insulation)	Any amount of friable asbestos — this is the highest-risk category
Unlicensed removal	Certain non-friable asbestos removal	Removal of 10 m² or less of non-friable asbestos, subject to applicable legal and safety requirements

Limited unlicensed removal of 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos is permitted in certain circumstances, subject to the applicable requirements under NSW workplace health and safety laws. SafeWork NSW recommends engaging a licensed asbestos professional to remove any amount of asbestos. 

Licensed Removalists

Removal of more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos or any friable asbestos must be carried out by a licensed removalist. Verify the licence by obtaining the licence number and checking it against the SafeWork NSW public removalist licence verification.

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Sydney? 

The cost of asbestos removal in Sydney depends on the size of the job, access, and disposal requirements. Here are rough estimates of what Sydney homeowners may see in quotes:

 

• • $500–$1,200 for small non-friable jobs, such as a shed or small section of fencing

• • $2,500–$6,000 for fibro garage roof removal

• • $8,000–$20,000 for the removal of an entire fibro roof and cladding

Class A (friable) asbestos removal costs are typically higher due to additional requirements.

A good quote should break down the total cost, including site inspection and testing, containment setup, removal, transportation, and disposal at a licensed landfill.

What Is the Asbestos Removal Process? 

 

• • If it’s damaged, larger, or friable, removal must be carried out by a licensed contractor.

• • The client receives a removal plan, and SafeWork NSW is notified at least 5 days before work begins. Urgent work may be approved with less notice.

• • Before removal starts, the work area is sealed off, and neighbours are notified.

• • The area is sealed using wet methods and personal protective equipment.

• • Waste is sealed in plastic bags, then placed in asbestos waste bags, and transported to an EPA-approved facility.

• • A clearance inspection and clearance certificate are required after licensed asbestos removal before the area can be reoccupied. For Class A friable asbestos work, the clearance must be carried out by an independent licensed asbestos assessor. For Class B non-friable asbestos work, the clearance can be undertaken by an independent competent person or licensed asbestos assessor, subject to the applicable requirements. 

• • The client must keep this certificate, which may be needed when selling or using the property.

What to Check Before Hiring an Asbestos Removalist 

Consider this checklist to protect yourself from liability:

 

• • Check contractor has a current SafeWork NSW licence.

• • Public liability and workers’ compensation insurance sighted, not just mentioned 

• • The quote is itemised, including costs for inspection, removal, transport, and disposal.

• • The contractor disposes of asbestos at a licensed facility and notifies SafeWork NSW.

• • If the licence requires specific PPE or containment, these are included in the quote.

• • For larger jobs, the contractor notifies adjoining property owners.

• • An independent clearance inspection is included where required for friable asbestos.

• • The contractor provides at least two verifiable references and evidence that asbestos will be disposed of at a licensed facility.

• • The contractor provides evidence that asbestos will be disposed of at a licensed facility.

• • They have a system for segregating and disposing of asbestos responsibly.

All of the above should be provided by the contractor and documented.

Common Mistakes Sydney Homeowners Make 

 

• • Breaking or disturbing suspected materials requires care. Fibro can release fibres when drilled, sanded, or pressure washed.

• • Choosing the lowest bid may mean reduced costs by using lower PPE or disposal costs.

• • Assuming demolition and asbestos removal are the same booking — they’re related but distinct compliance processes; confirm your provider handles both under one licensed workflow. 

• Keep your clearance certificates. You may need them when you sell the property or if you need additional work done on the property.