Hazardous Waste Disposal

We are aware of the recent recall of coloured rainbow sand which has been found to have Tremolite — a naturally occurring asbestos in quartz.

❎❎ Please note that asbestos is not accepted at our landfill and kerbside collection.

If you need to dispose of this material we recommend contacting a licensed asbestos removal specialist in Hamilton.
For your safety and the safety of others, please ensure asbestos is handled only by qualified professionals.
What to do if you have the sand:
  • Stop using it immediately
  • Place the sand in a sealed container and store it securely away from people.
  • Contact WDC on 0800 932 4357 for further advice
  • Do not dispose of it in general waste. WorkSafe strongly recommends engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal. A list of licensed removalists can be found on the WorkSafe website.
  • Once secure, it encourages people to reach out to the supplier to organise a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

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Hazardous waste must be disposed of safely and responsibly to reduce risks to both people and the environment.  The best way to do that is to isolate them from other rubbish and send them for recycling or disposal at special facilities.  Our Landfill provides a drop-off facility for domestic quantities of household hazardous wastes (HHW). 

An item is hazardous when it is:

  • flammable
  • toxic
  • explosive
  • corrosive
  • radioactive.

Common HHW products include herbicides, pesticides, solvents (methylated spirits), ammonia, bleach, and varnishes/wood polishes, petrol and paint.  

 

We accept up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kg of any one HHW.  A fee applies which covers the cost of treatment and disposal at specialist sites.   

Before you bring HHW to the transfer station at the Waitomo District Landfill, we ask that you please:

  • Label the container clearly if you know what the contents are (and the original label is unclear).
  • Make sure the container lid is fitted securely.
  • Transport the containers upright and secured in the boot so that they do not tip over and leak (for example, place the containers in a bag, bin or tray).

On arrival at the Landfill kiosk, please notify the Landfill Attendant that you would like to drop-off hazardous waste.

 

Commercial and industrial waste

There are some hazardous wastes that we do not accept at the Landfill like asbestos, agri-chemicals, medical waste, medicines and commercial quantities of hazardous waste.   Please phone us on 0800 932 4357 for more information.

View the links below. These will provide important information on how to manage these hazardous substances safely within our district.