Disposing of asbestos-contaminated sand products

WorkSafe has confirmed that some batches of coloured sand products at retailers in New Zealand may contain traces of asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can pose serious health risks if its fibres become airborne and are breathed in.

These coloured sand products are often used by children at home and in early childhood education settings.

A product recall is now in place. If you have purchased coloured sand, please check whether it is included in the recall. 

Households should follow the recall and health advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Health NZ in the first instance: 

  • Stop using the product immediately  
  • Do not let children touch or play with the sand. 
  • Place sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic, seal with tape and clearly label as “Asbestos-contaminated material”. 
  • Do not dispose in household rubbish or vacuum it up. 
  • Refer to the clean-up and disposal instructions in the Health NZ webpage here: Asbestos in sand. 
  • Once secure, we encourage people to contact your retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.  
  • For further advice, call the MBIE consumer line on 0508 426 678.  

Education facilities and workplaces need to follow Worksafe’s guidance. 

How to dispose of sand products safely  

Asbestos contaminated material, including sand, needs to be disposed of at an appropriate landfill site – please don’t put it in your normal household rubbish.  

Kāpiti Coast District transfer stations cannot accept asbestos contaminated waste.  

The nearest location to dispose of them for free and safely is Spicer Landfill, Broken Hill Road in Kenepuru: 

  • Make sure they’re in a sealed container, double-bagged and sealed. 
  • Clearly label the bag “Asbestos” 
  • Landfill staff will direct you to the reuse transfer station, where you place (not drop) into a specific, labelled bin.  
  • Note if you’re disposing of 20kgs or more, then Spicer Landfill’s normal asbestos disposal application process and charges apply.