“Asbestos Garden Shed? Here’s How to Remove It Safely in NZ (Without Getting Fined or Sick)”
Is That Old Garden Shed Full of Asbestos? Here’s What Kiwi Homeowners Need to Know
Let’s be honest — that old garden shed down the back is probably an eyesore. It’s got a wonky door, maybe some flaky paint, and you’ve been meaning to knock it down for years.
But wait.
If it was built before the 1990s, there’s a solid chance it’s hiding something nasty: asbestos.
And not just any asbestos — we’re talking about Class B asbestos, the stuff found in solid cement sheets on sheds, garages, fences, and sometimes even roofs.
Here’s the good news: it’s manageable.
Here’s the bad news: do it wrong, and you could be exposing your whānau to serious health risks — or land yourself in hot water with WorkSafe NZ.
🧱 What Is Class B Asbestos Anyway?
In New Zealand, asbestos is broken into two types:
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Class A (friable): Soft, fluffy, breaks apart easily and goes airborne. Very dangerous.
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Class B (non-friable): Hard, bonded stuff — often mixed with cement. It’s stable unless you break, drill, or cut it.
Garden sheds? Almost always Class B.
If it’s made of fibrolite, super six panels, or flat cement sheeting — yep, that’s probably it.
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🚫 Can I Just Tear It Down Myself?
Short answer: Nope, not if it’s more than 10 square metres.
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, you need a licensed asbestos removalist for Class B asbestos if the total area exceeds 10m² — which most old sheds do.
Even if it’s a small job, doing it yourself is risky. Disturbing the material — especially if it’s cracked or damaged — releases invisible asbestos fibres, which can hang around and get into your lungs. Not cool.
💸 What’s It Gonna Cost?
Here’s a ballpark idea for Class B asbestos shed removal in NZ:
| Shed Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (1.5m x 1.5m) | $900 – $1,200 |
| Medium (3m x 3m) | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Large (with roof) | $2,000 – $3,000+ |
That typically includes:
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Hazard setup (barriers, signage)
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PPE and dust suppression
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Careful removal of whole sheets
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Bagging and licensed asbestos disposal
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Final clean-up
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✅ What Does Safe Shed Removal Actually Look Like?
Here’s the 6-step lowdown:
1. Get It Tested
If you’re unsure, get a lab test done. Costs around $80–150 and gives you peace of mind.
2. Bring In a Licensed Remover
They’ll assess, plan, and quote the job.
3. Set Up Containment
They’ll fence off the area, put up warning signs, and wear proper protective gear.
4. Mist It Down
The asbestos sheets are kept wet to stop fibres flying around.
5. Remove Without Breaking
They take the sheets off intact — no cutting or smashing.
6. Dispose Legally
Everything’s double-wrapped, labelled, and taken to a licensed disposal site.
🤔 Why Should I Care?
Because asbestos doesn’t mess around.
It causes diseases like:
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Mesothelioma
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Asbestosis
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Lung cancer
And here’s the kicker: you might not feel sick for 20–30 years after exposure. It’s a slow, silent killer.
And fines? WorkSafe NZ can hit you with up to $10,000+ for non-compliant removal.
🏡 What Should You Do Next?
If your shed is on the “sketchy” side:
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Don’t touch it until it’s tested.
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Call a Class B licensed asbestos remover.
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Get it removed properly, once and for all.
It’s not just about following the rules — it’s about protecting your health, your family, and your future.
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