How do I get rid of it?
Trial hazardous waste collections were held in 2002 and 2004, targeting agricultural chemicals. Further collections may be initiated in the future.
Hazardous Waste Article (PDF 30KB)
Small hazardous waste stores are maintained at the three main District Landfills in Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika. Non-commercial quantities of materials brought into these landfill sites are stored, for disposal on a regular basis as part of a West Coast-wide hazardous materials disposal programme.
If in doubt, ask the attendant at any of the waste disposal sites; they know what to do with hazardous materials.
The following materials will be accepted for disposal:
- Poisons
- Chemicals
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Paint
- Lead-acid, Ni-Cd and NiMH batteries
- Empty LPG gas bottles
- Waste oil/filters
- Asbestos (check with your local District Council first, disposal fees by arrangement will apply)
The following materials are not accepted:
- Hazardous wastes in greater than 20kg amounts without special charges applying
- General refuse
- Explosives
- Radioactive materials. (smoke detectors are not hazardous, dispose of them with general refuse)
Check with your local District Council for materials that will be accepted in your area
What happens to hazardous wastes?
Some are dealt with by reuse (eg paints, permitted chemicals). Some go to specialist recovery processors in New Zealand (solvents, oils, some paints) while the most difficult materials (PCB’s, banned pesticides) are shipped overseas for disposal at costs up to $50/kg.