Asbestos waste must be handled, packaged, and disposed of in a very specific way under New Zealand law — getting it wrong can put your health, your neighbours', and the environment at serious risk. Before you touch anything, it's important to understand what you're legally allowed to do yourself and what must be carried out by a licensed professional.
Is This a Job You Can Do Yourself?
In New Zealand, the rules around who can remove and dispose of asbestos depend on the type and quantity of material involved. Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, Class A asbestos removal (friable or damaged asbestos) must be carried out by a licensed Class A removalist. Class B removal (non-friable, bonded asbestos in good condition, such as flat fibro sheeting) may be done by a licensed Class B removalist or, in some limited circumstances, by a homeowner on their own home — but only up to certain quantities.
Even if you are permitted to remove a small amount yourself, the bagging, labelling, and disposal of that waste is still subject to strict requirements. If you are in any doubt, stop and contact a licensed asbestos removalist. You can find qualified local professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: Never dry-sweep, sand, drill, or use a household vacuum on asbestos materials. Disturbing asbestos fibres creates an invisible, serious health hazard. Always wear the correct P2 respirator (not a dust mask) and disposable coveralls before handling any suspect material.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Gather all your personal protective equipment (PPE) and materials before beginning:
- P2-rated respirator (half-face or full-face)
- Disposable coveralls (Tyvek-style)
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Heavy-duty asbestos waste bags — these must be at least 0.2 mm thick polyethylene, ideally purpose-made red or clear asbestos bags
- Duct tape or bag ties to seal bags
- A spray bottle with water (to dampen material and suppress fibres)
- Pre-printed or hand-written asbestos warning labels
Purpose-made asbestos disposal bags and labels are available from safety suppliers and some hardware stores. Check Bunnings or Mitre 10 for availability, though specialist safety suppliers often carry a better range.
Step-by-Step: Bagging Asbestos Waste
1. Prepare the Work Area
Wet down the asbestos material lightly with water before handling — this helps keep fibres from becoming airborne. Lay a sheet of heavy-duty polythene on the ground to catch any debris.
2. Double-Bag the Waste
Place asbestos material carefully into the inner bag without breaking or crumbling it. Do not overfill — bags should be manageable and not at risk of tearing. Seal the inner bag tightly with duct tape, then place it inside a second outer bag and seal that too. This double-bagging method is standard practice and helps prevent accidental release of fibres.
3. Wipe Down the Outside of the Bags
Using a damp cloth, wipe the outside of the sealed bags to remove any surface dust. Place the cloth inside a separate sealed bag for disposal as asbestos waste.
4. Label Every Bag Clearly
Each bag must be labelled with a warning that meets the requirements under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. The label must include:
| Label Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hazard warning | "CAUTION — ASBESTOS" or "DANGER — ASBESTOS" |
| Health warning | Statement that asbestos is a health hazard |
| Do not open warning | Instruction not to open or damage the bag |
| Generator details | Your name and address (where the waste came from) |
Pre-printed asbestos waste labels are the easiest option. If writing by hand, use a permanent marker and make the text large and legible.
Transporting and Disposing of Asbestos Waste
Asbestos waste cannot go in your kerbside bin or skip bin — it must go to an approved disposal facility. Here's what to do:
- Contact your local council before transporting any asbestos waste. Most councils have a designated landfill cell or transfer station that accepts asbestos, but procedures and accepted quantities vary by region. Some councils require you to book in advance or complete a waste tracking form.
- Transport bags in a covered vehicle or trailer — never in an open ute tray without a cover, as bags could be damaged or fibres released.
- Keep bags upright and secure so they don't shift or tear during transport.
- Some councils charge a disposal fee for asbestos waste — ring ahead to confirm costs and requirements.
WorkSafe NZ provides detailed guidance on asbestos waste management requirements, and BRANZ has useful technical resources on identifying and managing asbestos in NZ homes.
After Disposal: Cleaning Up
Once the waste is bagged and removed, carefully remove your PPE by rolling coveralls inward (inside-out) to contain any fibres. Place used coveralls, gloves, and the P2 respirator filter into a sealed bag and dispose of these as asbestos waste too. Wash your hands and face thoroughly.
When to Call a Professional
You should always engage a licensed asbestos removalist if:
- The asbestos is friable (crumbly, powdery, or damaged) — this is Class A work and legally restricted
- The area involved is larger than 10 m² of bonded asbestos material
- You are unsure whether the material contains asbestos (get it tested first)
- The material is in a roof, ceiling, or wall cavity where disturbance is likely
- You are a landlord — under the Healthy Homes standards, you have additional obligations to your tenants
- You simply don't feel confident doing this safely
Licensed removalists are trained, equipped, and legally authorised to handle all classes of asbestos work. Find a qualified asbestos removal specialist near you on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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