Such a scheme could, in theory at least, help to reduce the incidence of illegal dumping of asbestos around the city.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority has committed $3 million to trialling the Householders' Asbestos Disposal Scheme in selected council areas for 12 months.

To offset the collection and transport costs for small residential amounts of asbestos waste, the trial includes an EPA contribution of $50 per tonne towards the safe disposal of asbestos waste.

The aim of the trial is to minimise the financial burden on householders who want to do the right thing with their asbestos waste.

Thirteen expressions of interest, representing 36 councils and organisations, were submitted to the EPA.

Lake Macquarie City Council did not apply to be part of the pilot program.

Lakes Mail readers have been critical of the council for failing to get on board, particularly given the council's green credentials, and the asbestos dumping problem in the area.

Reader Christine Holloway-Stoeski summed up their views when she wrote: "Really disappointing; there is no incentive from council."

Other readers have phoned the Lakes Mail to question the council's approach to stopping asbestos dumping.

But a council spokesperson said it would closely assess the trial results and consider implementing a scheme locally.

"Council continues to work with the EPA on asbestos dumping in the city," the spokesperson said.

"Over the last 12 months, approximately 400 tonnes of dumped asbestos waste has been cleaned up, with funding provided by the NSW government's Illegally Dumped Asbestos Clean Up Program."

Bushland at Wyee and Morisset has been an unhappy dumping ground for discarded asbestos in recent months.

In Lake Macquarie, it costs about $350 per tonne to dispose of asbestos legally.

Critics say the fees are too high and are a deterrent.