Date: October 31st 2014

Annual hazardous waste collection returns to Hawke’s Bay

The Annual HazMobile collection of hazardous waste will return to Hawke’s Bay in early November.

The collection is a free service which allows the safe disposal of hazardous material including oils, chemicals, wet cell batteries, solvents and paint. The service operates like a drive-through - the driver stays in the car, while staff unload the hazardous material.

Hastings District Council Waste Minimisation Planner Angela Atkins says “The 2013 HazMobile collection resulted in a 10 year high for vehicle numbers. 980 vehicles arrived at the 2 sites with over a tonne of pesticides collected, including highly toxic PCB, PCP, DDT, Lindane and 245t. In addition approximately 200 gas cylinders and 5,700 litres of waste oil were delivered to the sites.

This year HazMobile collection depots will operate between 10am and 2pm at the following locations:

Saturday November 8th: Hastings Sports Centre, Railway Road Hastings

Sunday November 9th: Eastern Truck and Marine, Austin Street, Onekawa, Napier

Waste that will be accepted at HazMobile includes:

Household chemicals: including toilet, drain and oven cleaners, disinfectants, furniture and shoe polish and pool chemicals

Garden chemicals: pesticides and herbicides

Automotive products: waste oil, petrol, diesel, brake fluid and car care products.

DIY products: varnishes, solvents, paint, paint strippers, glues and wood preservatives.

Light bulbs: Fluorescent tubes, energy-saving light bulbs and ultraviolet light bulbs.

Batteries: wet-cell batteries used in cars and boats, rechargeable batteries used in appliances

Gas cylinders

If you are unsure about the disposal of a product check the labelling – if it uses words such as “Warning ”, “Danger”, “Caution”, “Poison” or “Do not dispose of with household rubbish” you can assume HazMobile will accept it.

NOTE: Non-rechargeable dry-cell batteries (zinc carbon, zinc chloride and alkaline batteries in AAA, AA, C, and D sizes) are NOT classified as hazardous waste and can be disposed of in recycling containers located at Hastings District Council reception, the Environment Centre and the Henderson Road Recycling Centre year round, as well as at the HazMobile.

It is recommended that your waste items are packed into boxes so they are easy to remove from a vehicle and that the containers are clearly labelled.

HazMobile does not accept commercial waste, waste in commercial volumes or E-Waste (electronic waste).

The HazMobile collection is supported by the Hastings District Council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Napier City Council.

Further information on the HazMobile collection and hazardous waste is available at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/hazmobile and www.napier.govt.nz

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