The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued a public recall for rainbow sand from Educational Colours and coloured sand from Creatistics, after tests found tremolite (a naturally occurring asbestos).
They have advised anyone wishing to dispose of the recalled coloured sand products should contact their local council.
What do I do if I need to dispose of the recalled sand?
- From today, you can drop off these products at both the Whakatāne and Murupara Resource Recovery Centres (aka 'dumps'). Each site has a dedicated drop-off spot, which is a clearly marked wheelie bin for this material.
How do I dispose of the products safely?
- Households and schools: Please check in with the weighbridge at Whakatāne, or with staff at Murupara, and they will direct you to the drop-off point.
- Retailers: Please arrange disposal through a licensed asbestos removal specialist. You can find registered providers on the WorkSafe website.
- Before dropping anything off: Double bag the material in sealed plastic bags, or wrap it in plastic and tape it securely. WorkSafe provides further guidance on how to handle asbestos safely.
We will continue to update you if advice changes. For any further information, questions, or health advice, please see the below websites:
- www.worksafe.govt.nz/tools-registers-resources/registers/asbestos-licence-holder-register-old/
- www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/
- https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/healthy-homes-environments/hazardous-substances/asbestos/asbestos-in-sand
- www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/recall-of-ec-rainbow-sand-and-creatistics-coloured-sand-1-3kg-due-to-potential-asbestos-contamination