Hazardous waste and disposal

On this page:

What hazardous substances are used for? •
Hazardous waste disposal for industry •
Hazardous waste disposal for residents

Hazardous substances are used throughout the region for many purposes.

For example, more than 90,000 tonnes of corrosive substances are used in the dairy and mining industries and for paper processing. The timber treatment industry also uses large volumes of toxic and corrosive preservatives. Many hazardous substances can also be found around the home.

It’s important that we recognise what substances may be hazardous, and use and dispose of them correctly.

What hazardous substances are used for?

The Martha Mine in Waihi uses explosives and toxic materials, such as sodium cyanide. Explosives are also used at most coal mines and many quarries. The mining industry also uses other hazardous material such as water treatment chemicals and fuels (as do a range of other industries).
Agricultural and horticultural activities use large amounts of pesticides. From June 1997 to June 1998 approximately:
- 336 tonnes of herbicides
- 284 tonnes of fungicides, and
- 25 tonnes of insecticides, were used in the Waikato.
Between 1999 and 2003, pesticide imports into New Zealand increased by 12 per cent. The greatest increase in use has been in herbicides.
As we learn more about the pesticides we use, we have reduced or eliminated our use of those that have significant toxicological effects, and those that persist in the environment. Most modern pesticides degrade fairly quickly in the environment. The main risk with using modern pesticides happens at the time of application.
Continued storage or inappropriate disposal of historic pesticides can pose risks to human and stock health, soil quality and water quality of streams and groundwater. Farmers and growers need to be careful about safe storage of all pesticides, and to ensure the safe disposal of any pesticides that they no longer want.
In the Waikato region there are:
- 30 operating timber treatment sites
- 74 abandoned sites
- at least 14 timber waste disposal sites.
A range of hazardous timber preservatives, including copper, chromium, arsenic and boron are, or have been, used or left at these sites. In the past, large volumes of pentachlorophenol (a very hazardous organochlorine chemical) were used. Poor management of these hazardous substances has the potential to threaten the health of workers and contaminate air, soil and water.
You may be surprised to learn that many everyday products we use around the home can be hazardous to our families, ourselves, and the environment. These products include:
- solvents - for example, mineral turpentine
- cleaning fluids - for example, oven and drain cleaners
- garden chemicals - for example, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides
- paints - for example, enamel based paints
- dyes - for example, textile and hair dyes
- adhesives - for example, those containing solvents
- stored fuels - for example, petrol and oil
- old car batteries.

Hazardous waste disposal for industry

Hazardous substances must be disposed of in a safe and thoughtful manner. Disposal of hazardous commercial and industrial waste is the responsibility of the operator. Waikato Regional Council doesn’t collect hazardous waste, but we can answer any questions or give advice about disposal.

Find out about the Hazardous Substances Toolbox - a multi-media package from the EPA to help employers who own or manage small industrial businesses work safely with hazardous substances.

Check out the WorkSafe New Zealand website for important workplace safety and health information, laws and regulations.

The USA’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has lots of information on various hazardous substances and their health effects.

Select a tab

Commercial and industrial waste
Lead-based paint

Commercial and industrial waste

Unfortunately, some hazardous wastes are dumped illegally at landfills. Landfills do not have the proper facilities to deal with hazardous wastes and there is a risk of hazardous wastes in landfills leaching into the environment. For some types of hazardous waste there are no facilities to treat, recycle or dispose of them in New Zealand. This waste is securely stored until it can be transported offshore for incineration or until suitable treatment options are available in New Zealand.

Lead-based paint

Lead is a heavy metal that’s poisonous to people and animals. Although it’s not used for exterior house paint in New Zealand anymore, lead-based paint can still be found on some older houses (especially those built before the late 1970s).
The removal of lead-based paint during home renovation can put people and animals at risk. Unfortunately, cases of children getting lead poisoning from lead-based paint are still relatively common. Young children can swallow harmful amounts of lead by eating, chewing or putting lead contaminated paint flakes or dust in their mouths. Untreated, lead poisoning can lead to brain damage and even death.
If your home has lead-based paint, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of lead poisoning:

Hire a professional to remove the paint when redecorating

Keep surfaces as clean and dust-free as possible

Wash your hands before eating

Keep children away from areas where paint is chipped or peeling.

Hazardous waste disposal for residents

You may be surprised to learn that many everyday products we use around the home can be hazardous to our families, ourselves, and the environment. These products include:

solvents - for example, mineral turpentine
cleaning fluids - for example, oven and drain cleaners
garden chemicals - for example, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides
paints - for example, enamel based paints
dyes - for example, textile and hair dyes
adhesives - for example, those containing solvents
stored fuels - for example, petrol and oil

Rules for use and storage of hazardous chemicals

Do	Don't
Read all labels and accompanying information and ensure labels dont get damaged.	Use volatile, flammable or explosive substances around open flames or sparks.
Use with adequate ventilation.	Use with inadequate ventilation.
Store in an appropriate, labelled container.	Pour down the drain or dump in a landfill.
Store in a secure location, away from children, pets, livestock and wildlife.
Wear gloves and/or protective clothing.
Keep the container closed and secure when not in use.