Hazardous & Specialised Waste

Contaminated Soil Disposal 

The City of Greater Geraldton accepts Class 1, 2, and 3 contaminated soil at Meru Landfill. Before disposal, all waste must be tested and classified according to the Landfill Waste Classification and Waste Definitions 1996 (As amended December 2009).

Step 1: Conduct Soil Testing

• Engage a NATA-accredited laboratory to test the soil. A list of NATA accredited laboratories can be found at www.nata.com.au.
• Testing and sampling must follow guidance outlined in the Landfill Waste Classification and Waste Definitions 1996 (As amended December 2009)
• Depending on contamination, soil must be tested for:
• Heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, mercury)
• Hydrocarbons (e.g., petroleum-based pollutants)
• Asbestos
• PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Step 2: Classify the Waste

Based on lab results, soil is classified as:

✅ Accepted Waste:

• Class 1 & 2 – $192/tonne (incl. GST)
• Class 3 – $250/tonne (incl. GST)

❌Rejected Waste:

• Class 4 or higher - Must be disposed of at a licensed secure landfill.

For reference, contamination limits are listed in the Landfill Waste Classification and Waste Definitions 1996 (As amended December 2009)

Step 3: Complete the HW13 Disposal Request Form

• Download the HW13 Disposal Request Form [link to form].
• Fill out all required details.
• Attach NATA-accredited lab results.

Step 4: Submit for Approval

• Email the completed HW13 form and lab results to council@cgg.wa.gov.au
• The City will review and confirm approval with a HW14 approval form.
• Do not transport waste until approval is received.

Step 5: Arrange Transport and Disposal

• Once approved, schedule transport to Meru Landfill.
• Follow site safety and unloading procedures.
• Present your approved HW14 form upon arrival to the weighbridge. Entry will not be granted without this.

Asbestos

Asbestos is best known for its use as insulation and as a building material and is classed as a hazardous material.

If your home was built or renovated prior to 1987 it is ‘highly likely’ that it contains products incorporating asbestos. If your home was built or renovated between 1987 and 1990 it is ‘likely’ that it may contain some asbestos-containing materials.

If you are unsure about the presence of asbestos on your property, contact a licensed professional to inspect the site and safely manage the disposal of any asbestos found. 

Safe Disposal

❌Never put asbestos in your household rubbish bin. The material is toxic.

Residents can dispose of small amounts of asbestos at Meru for a small fee. See fees and charges here

Asbestos must be double wrapped in plastic and marked as asbestos before you arrive at Meru.

CCTV at Meru ensures asbestos is safely disposed. The fines for individuals caught illegally dumping asbestos to avoid the fees can be up to $5,000 and commercial businesses up to $25,000.

For more information on identifying asbestos, health risks, safely removing it, and what to do if you find asbestos go to the following websites:  Department of Health and Asbestos Awareness

Household Hazardous Waste Program

Harmful pesticides and chemicals should not be placed in your bin. Residents can dispose of unwanted paint, pesticides, other household chemicals and batteries safely in the designated Household Hazardous Waste area at Meru.

Note that this service is only for household items and these will be recycled wherever possible. For the disposal of commercial volumes of such items, contact a waste disposal company who should be able to assist.

For further details on HHW acceptance at Meru: Click here