Open days for the disposal of asbestos

Following the success of the open days for disposal of hazardous household waste, the Mossel Bay Municipality is taking the lead and hosting similar events, for households, for the disposal of asbestos.

The municipality is among the first in the country to host an open day for asbestos removal.

Some members of the public might be unaware that asbestos may not simply be disposed of along with any other building material. The cost associated with the correct removal and safe disposal of asbestos, is high. There is a strict and specific protocol that must be adhered to.

Asbestos and asbestos-containing products being dumped illegally, costs the municipality and ratepayers enormous amounts of money.

The removal of asbestos must be done in a prescribed manner. Even alterations to buildings that included asbestos, are subject to strict prescriptions.

Since asbestos holds notable health hazards, experts believe that these should be taken seriously by members of the public.

Asbestos has been banned from construction and is no longer in use, but the risks still apply. Processes such as drilling, cutting, high-pressure cleaning, demolition or even the natural weathering of asbestos disrupt the asbestos dust that may release fibres into the air and cause serious health problems due to inhalation of the fibres.

Dumping asbestos illegally could lead to prosecution and the penalty could be a fine of a up to R100 000 or 10 years’ imprisonment.

The municipality has a specific contractor on a three-year tender to safely and legally remove hazardous waste, including asbestos. The contractor will inspect the waste upon request.

Once the contractor has sealed and removed the asbestos, it is transported to a landfill in Gqeberha, whereafter the municipality is issued a Safe Certificate of Disposal (SCD).

The open days will be on 12 October (Mossel Bay Town Hall) and 13 October (Great Brak River municipal building).

The public is requested to contact the municipality prior to the events for advice and inspection, whereafter the removal process will be facilitated in the correct and legal manner.

Residents are invited to contact the municipality for advice and guidance. The municipality urges residents to report illegal dumping.

For more information, call 044 606 5000 or email admin@mosselbay.gov.za.

The municipality assists ratepayers with the safe and correct removal of asbestos, however it must be noted that there will be a cost involved.