Treat hazardous waste with care

The Far North District Council is stepping up to the plate in a campaign to reduce the volume of hazardous waste finding its way into domestic and commercial rubbish bags.

In conjunction with the Northland Regional Council services are being improved, including provisions to expand Refuse Transfer Station services for household waste considered hazardous.

"We already have facilities for hazardous waste at Kaitaia, Taipa, Whitehills, Russell, Whangae and Kaikohe. But from next week the Ahipara, Houhora, Whatuwhiwhi and Opononi transfer stations will also have safe disposal facilities available," Refuse Senior Technical Officer Bruce Hows said today.

"In addition all transfer station sites including Te Kao, Awanui, Herekino, Punguru and Kohukohu will now take waste vehicle oils in quantities of up to five litres," he said.

He said the improved level of service was designed to stop people throwing dangerous material such as polish, cleaners, medicines, glue, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, paint and dry cell batteries into their domestic rubbish bags.

"Ideally it would be great if items such as broken drinking glasses, crockery and used light bulbs were also not put into plastic collection bags. But if there are no other alternatives, these items must be wrapped to prevent injury to others," he said.

Not accepted at transfer stations were radioactive wastes, explosives, infectious substances, or hazardous substances in broken or leaking containers. For advise on disposal of these items, contact should be made with the NRC Environmental Hotline.