Public safety
Problems with asbestos, smoking or syringe disposal? Do you want to use your household greywater?
Asbestos
The three main types of asbestos are white, blue and brown, used mainly before 1980 in the production of asbestos cement sheeting and piping. Asbestos was also used in the manufacture of vinyl floor tiles, electrical components, brake linings and disc pads.
DHS has produced a leaflet called Asbestos in the home which provides more information about dealing with asbestos.
The disposal of waste asbestos, whether from a workplace or household, is controlled by Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). In addition, EPA controls the transportation of waste asbestos when undertaken by a commercial contractor. The EPA also provide an information sheet about dealing with asbestos.
Smoking
Local government action is crucial to making tobacco legislation work across Victoria. Environmental Health Officers lead a range of activities in their council areas, including regular visits and inspections to tobacco retailers, licensed premises and other venues, to ensure a high level of compliance with the Act. (The Victorian Government provides funding to local councils for these activities.)
To contact Council regarding a complaint or concerns about the sale of cigarettes to minors or allowing smoking in a prohibited place, email Health Services or phone 9278 4710.
To read the Victorian Tobacco Control Strategy 2008-2013 document, released in December 2008, visit the Victorian Health website.
Sharps containers
Council provides a Sharps container collection service at our Hawthorn office for clients with special needs. For further information email Health Services or phone 9278 4710.
Using greywater at home
Households generate significant quantities of waste water (greywater) which may be reused as irrigation water in the garden - except on vegetable gardens.
Greywater consists of all non-toilet water - water from showers, baths, spas, hand basins, washing machines, laundry troughs and dishwashers. Do not use kitchen sink water as it has a high concentration of contaminants, or black water which is wastewater contaminated by urine and faeces.
To store and treat greywater, a septic tank permit is required and is issued through Council when you install a septic tank meeting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines - refer to EPA website; phone Council's Environmental Health 9278 4710.
If you install a diversion system that does not store and treat the wastewater no permit is required. You do need consent from Yarra Valley Water if any altering works connected to its system are undertaken, the diversion system needs to be installed by a licensed plumber and greywater reuse must not create a public health hazard.
For more information:
- email Health Services
- phone 9278 4710.
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