Choosing the right asbestos removal company in Sydney is not just about price — it’s about protecting your health, meeting legal requirements, and ensuring your property is safe for the future. Whether you’re a homeowner renovating a fibro home, a builder preparing a demolition site, or a property manager responsible for WHS compliance, it’s critical to hire a licensed and experienced contractor.
At Hazardous Removal Company (HRC), we’ve helped hundreds of clients across Greater Sydney with safe, legal asbestos services backed by NATA-accredited testing and full SafeWork NSW compliance.
HRC Guides You on What to Look For, and what to avoid. When selecting the right provider for your needs.
Why Choosing the Right Asbestos Removal Company Matters
Asbestos removal is not a job you can take lightly. The consequences of hiring an unqualified or unlicensed contractor can include:
- Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres
- Legal penalties under NSW WHS laws
- Incomplete removal requiring costly rework
- No clearance certificate, making resale or further works difficult
Asbestos exposure is directly linked to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, often years after exposure. Even small quantities of disturbed asbestos can pose significant health risks.
In New South Wales, any asbestos removal job over 10m², or involving friable material (easily crumbled by hand), must be handled by a licensed professional. Failure to comply can result in both legal penalties and long-term health consequences.
If you’re unsure whether your home or workplace contains asbestos, it’s best to test before you renovate. At HRC, we provide NATA-certified asbestos sampling and testing to help you understand your risk before starting work.
Key Licences and Certifications to Look For in NSW
When choosing an asbestos removal company in Sydney, always verify that they carry the appropriate licences and certifications. Here’s what you should check:
SafeWork NSW Asbestos Removal Licence
There are two types of licences under SafeWork NSW:
- Class A Licence – required for removing friable asbestos
- Class B Licence – allows removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos only
A qualified provider should hold the correct licence based on the type of asbestos present. At HRC, we are fully licensed under SafeWork NSW (Licence #AD213403) and authorised to handle both friable and non-friable asbestos.
You can verify a contractor’s licence at the NSW Government register.
NATA-Accredited Testing Laboratory
A critical but often overlooked detail is where the asbestos samples are tested. Only NATA-accredited laboratories are authorised to deliver legally valid test results under WHS law. These labs use Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) and Dispersion Staining (DS) methods to confirm the presence of asbestos in building materials or air samples.
Without NATA certification, your test results may not be accepted for clearance certificates or insurance purposes. That’s why HRC only uses NATA-accredited laboratories, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
Core Services a Trustworthy Asbestos Removal Company Should Offer
A reputable asbestos removal company should offer end-to-end services, from initial testing to final clearance. If a provider doesn’t cover the full legal process, it’s a red flag.
Below are the core services you should expect:
Asbestos Sampling & Testing
Before any removal work begins, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) must be tested. This is especially crucial for properties built before 1990. The testing should be conducted by qualified technicians and analysed in NATA-accredited laboratories.
At HRC, we offer asbestos testing and sampling that follows the PLM + DS method, providing fast turnaround and legally recognised reports.
Removal of Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos
There are two main types of asbestos:
- Friable asbestos: Crumbly, dangerous, airborne – requires a Class A licence
- Non-friable asbestos: Bonded, more stable – requires a Class B licence
HRC is licensed to remove both types. We use containment procedures like negative pressure units and full PPE to safely manage friable materials. Learn more about our approach to friable asbestos removal.
Air Monitoring
Post-removal air monitoring is often overlooked, but it’s legally critical. HRC partners with independent hygienists and NATA-accredited assessors to ensure the air is fibre-free before clearance is granted.
Clearance Certificates
NSW law requires a clearance certificate if more than 10m² of asbestos is removed. This must include both:
- A visual inspection
- Airborne fibre testing (if friable)
Failure to obtain this certificate can halt further construction or legal use of the site. HRC provides full clearance certificate services in line with SafeWork NSW regulations.
Asbestos Registers
For commercial or multi-unit residential buildings built before 2003, an asbestos register is mandatory under WHS regulations.
HRC prepares site-specific asbestos registers, mapping the exact locations of ACMs and updating them after each removal or encapsulation. If you’re a property or strata manager, learn more about asbestos registers here.
Encapsulation Services (Optional)
Not all asbestos needs immediate removal. In some cases, material encapsulation is a safe, cost-effective way to stabilise asbestos that’s in good condition.
Our encapsulation services use bridging sealants to lock in fibres, protecting occupants until full removal is viable.
Warning Signs of Unlicensed or Unreliable Contractors
Unfortunately, the asbestos industry still sees unqualified operators who cut corners. Here’s how to spot them:
No Licence Number Displayed
Every legitimate provider should display their SafeWork NSW licence on their website and documentation. If it’s missing, walk away.
No Mention of NATA or Accredited Testing
If the contractor doesn’t clearly state that they use NATA-accredited laboratories, your testing results may not be legally valid.
No Clearance Certificate Provided
A professional removalist will always issue a clearance certificate once the job is done. If not, you’re left vulnerable to compliance issues and safety risks.
Poor Digital Presence
Reputable providers should list suburbs served, past projects, or real reviews. Lack of transparency is a major red flag.
Dodgy Quotes or Cash-Only Deals
Asbestos removal is regulated. If someone quotes far below average market prices (usually $30–$150 per m²) or insists on cash, they’re likely cutting corners.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Asbestos Removalist
To make an informed decision, always ask the following before committing:
- Do you hold a Class A or Class B SafeWork NSW licence?
- Do you test using a NATA-accredited lab?
- Will I receive a clearance certificate after removal?
- Do you offer air monitoring or site-specific asbestos registers?
- Can you show proof of recent jobs in my area?
A trustworthy company will answer these confidently and provide documentation upfront.
Cost Considerations for Asbestos Removal in Sydney
One of the most common questions homeowners and property managers ask is: “How much does asbestos removal cost in Sydney?” The answer depends on several factors, but here are some reliable benchmarks:
Average Cost by Job Type
Service Type | Estimated Cost Range |
Pickups (small removals) | $220 – $1,750 |
Kitchen (wall linings, splashbacks) | $1,950 – $3,500 |
Bathroom Walls | $1,950 – $4,000 |
Garage External Walls | $1,950 – $4,000 |
Eaves | $2,500 – $3,900 |
Internal Walls of House | $6,500 – $12,000 |
External Walls of House | $6,000 – $11,500 |
Corrugated Roof (entire house) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Garage Corrugated Roof | $2,500 – $4,800 |
Factors That Influence Pricing
- Friable vs Non-Friable: Friable asbestos requires more controls, making removal costlier.
- Building Type: Residential jobs are often simpler than large-scale industrial removals.
- Disposal Fees: Waste must be taken to EPA-approved facilities, with fees charged by weight or volume.
- Access Conditions: Hard-to-reach areas may require additional equipment or labour.
At HRC, transparency is central to our service. Clients receive a clear, itemised quote within one business day. There are no hidden fees, and all work is carried out safely, legally, and affordably.
For more details on our removal processes, see our asbestos removal services.
Why Hazardous Removal Company (HRC) is the Right Choice for Greater Sydney
We combine licensed expertise with genuine care and 24-hour response. Whether you’re managing asbestos in a residential roof in Northmead or clearing a commercial property in Campbelltown, HRC delivers results that are safe, legal, and compliant.
Why Sydney Locals Trust HRC:
- Fully licensed with SafeWork NSW, Licence #AD213403
- All testing conducted by NATA-accredited laboratories
- Over 500 successful removals completed across Greater Sydney
- Experts in friable and non-friable asbestos
- Provide clearance certificates and air monitoring where required
- Trusted by homeowners, councils, schools, and builders
- Serving over 30 suburbs from Forbes to Engadine
With a 24-hour emergency response, real 5-star reviews, and full insurance coverage, HRC ensures your site is safe, legal, and ready for what’s next. View our service areas to confirm coverage in your suburb.
Hire a Company That Puts Safety First
When it comes to asbestos, shortcuts can cost lives. HRC is here to make sure your removal is handled legally, safely, and completely.
Request your FREE quote today; no obligation, just honest advice from licensed professionals.
Contact Hazardous Removal Company
FAQ: Choosing an Asbestos Removal Company in Sydney
Is asbestos removal regulated in NSW?
Yes. Under SafeWork NSW laws, only licensed professionals can remove more than 10m² of bonded asbestos or any amount of friable asbestos. Penalties apply for unlicensed work.
How do I check if a contractor is licensed?
Search their name or license number on the NSW Government asbestos removalist register.
HRC’s Licence: AD213403
What is a clearance certificate, and do I need one?
A clearance certificate is a legal document issued after safe asbestos removal. It confirms that the site is free of asbestos fibres. It’s mandatory when removing over 10m² of asbestos or any friable material.
Do all companies offer NATA-accredited testing?
No. Many competitors don’t use NATA-accredited labs, which can invalidate your test results. Always confirm this upfront. HRC uses only NATA-certified laboratories for asbestos testing.
Does HRC provide services across Greater Sydney?
Yes. We proudly service homes and worksites across the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Wollondilly, and all of Sydney’s metro and regional suburbs.
