If you search asbestos removal cost in Melbourne, you will see a huge range of prices. Some websites talk about cost per square metre, others give flat job prices, and it can get confusing fast. The truth is there is no single set price for asbestos removal in Victoria. It depends on the material, its condition, access, and the safety requirements on each site.
In Victoria there are strict rules around who can remove asbestos, and when you must use a licensed removalist. For more than 10 square metres of non friable asbestos, or any friable asbestos, a licensed removalist must do the work under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 and the WorkSafe Victoria asbestos removal compliance code.
Key things that drive asbestos removal cost
- Type of asbestos material, for example external eaves and sheeting, old vinyl tiles, switchboard backs, ceiling linings, or asbestos contaminated soil
• Quantity and square metres to be removed
• How easy it is to access the area, for example tight roof spaces, limited height, or multi storey work
• Whether the material is damaged or friable, which can change the level of control needed
• Requirements for air monitoring and independent clearance
• Travel time and set up time, especially outside metro Melbourne
• Disposal fees at licensed asbestos waste facilities
Victorian regulators class asbestos waste as a controlled material that must be wrapped, labelled, and disposed of at approved facilities under EPA guidance. Disposal fees are based on weight or cubic metres and are a real cost driver on larger jobs.
Why two asbestos quotes can be miles apart
One company might price only the obvious asbestos listed in an audit. Another might include extra allowances for hidden material, difficult access, or stricter safety controls on live sites. Some operators cut corners on waste wrapping, supervision, or hygiene. A proper quote should clearly explain what is included, how the work will be done, and which regulations and codes it follows.
For domestic clients in Melbourne, a typical small asbestos job, for example a bathroom sheeted in non friable asbestos or a small external area, will often include
- Site set up and warning signage
• Labour for a licensed crew
• Plastic sheeting and consumables
• Waste wrapping and transport
• Disposal fees
• If needed, air monitoring and hygienist clearance
How to compare asbestos removal quotes in Victoria
When you compare quotes, do not just look at the final number. Look for
- Clear description of what is being removed and the quantities
• Reference to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 and WorkSafe Victoria guidance on removing asbestos in workplaces
• Evidence of current Class A or Class B asbestos licence and insurances
• Inclusions for waste disposal and dockets
• Whether air monitoring and an independent clearance inspection are included, if required by law or by the builder
If a quote looks too cheap, it usually means something has been left out. Asbestos removal is not where you want shortcuts. A transparent, detailed quote from a licensed Victorian removalist will always be better value than a vague low number.
