Hazardous Waste Centre can accept recalled coloured sand

Marlborough District Council’s Hazardous Waste Centre at Wither Road in Blenheim can assist with the disposal of recalled coloured sand under strict conditions.

This follows recent national news regarding the recall of some brands of coloured sand products due to the presence of asbestos.

Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas said the HWC will accept double bagged or double wrapped asbestos for safe disposal.

Buckets of sand must be double wrapped in 200micron thick builders’ plastic with all seams taped and no dust present or double bagged in asbestos bags 200micron thick (goose neck tied).

“All buckets of this recalled sand are to be treated as containing asbestos.

“The HWC will give out asbestos bags free of charge to members of the public if they need to dispose of the sand. They will need to come and collect the bags and bring the buckets of sand double bagged to us – they cannot bag it on our site for health and safety reasons.

“Our staff reserve the right to accept or decline packages to ensure staff are kept safe.

“If people are worried that they have asbestos contamination in their home, or they are not comfortable in handling the material, they should contact an asbestos removal company. Council’s contractor JBL does not carry out this service,” Mr Lucas said.

For further information on this issue including advice for workplaces and consumers go to: www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/recall-of-ec-rainbow-sand-and-creatistics-coloured-sand-1-3kg-due-to-potential-asbestos-contamination