What has been done since the Waste Transfer Station has been closed?

• Independent assessors have been to the Waste Transfer Station. They are conducting a thorough investigation and will provide recommendations for remediation. 

What we need residents to do:

• Please be patient until we can make a long-term decision based on all the facts. Our priority is the safety of our residents and our staff. 
• Please subscribe to our eNewsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date. Updates will also be posted on the Shire website.

Why has the Waste Transfer Station been closed?

The Waste Transfer Station has been closed after materials containing asbestos were discovered above the former landfill area.

How long will the Waste Transfer Station be closed?

The Station will be closed until further notice to ensure the safety of our community and staff. The Shire has employed contractors to undertake a thorough investigation and provide recommendations for remediation. Updates will be provided as we receive them.

Are there any restrictions on the green waste verge collection?

Any loose materials such as lawn cuttings, leaves, and general green waste should be placed in cardboard boxes.

Green waste will not be collected if it falls into the following:

• Any junk, general waste, hard waste, recycling material, asbestos, chemicals, gas bottles or any other hazardous material,
• Large tree stumps, or greater than 300mm diameter or exceeding 1.5 metres in length.
• any waste that is contaminated,

Are there any restrictions on what can be taken to the City of Armadale Landfill and Recycling Facility?

The following items can still be taken to the Armadale Landfill Facility:

How was the asbestos discovered?

The asbestos fragments were discovered after the Shire was undertaking due diligence for the excavation of drainage improvements on site.

Is the asbestos dangerous to residents' health?

Preliminary testing identified fragments of asbestos at surface and below surface level. Asbestos material poses a health concern only when it is disturbed, further fragmented and it becomes friable. More information on asbestos can be found on the Healthy WA website.

If it is not dangerous, why is the Waste Transfer Station closed?

The health and safety of our community and staff remains our priority. Closure is a precautionary measure to ensure no further disturbance and fragmentation of asbestos occurs, and to implement the necessary remediation once we are advised on requirements.

I have been to the Waste Transfer Station recently, should I be concerned?

No. Health effects normally only result from prolonged breathing in of airborne asbestos fibres, usually at high concentrations, such as associated with some past work activities such as mining, processing or actively cutting asbestos cement material (ACM). For further information see Healthy WA’s advice on Asbestos - contamination of soil.

Where can I receive updates on the Waste Transfer Station?

This page will be updated as soon as we receive information from our contractors and have an action plan for remediation. Check back here, sign up to our weekly eNewsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date.