The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued a public recall for rainbow play sand from Educational Colours and coloured sand from Creatistics, after tests found tremolite and chrysotile (a naturally occurring asbestos).

They have advised anyone wishing to dispose of the recalled coloured sand products should contact their local council.

Please do not dispose of these items in any of your kerbside bins.

Where can I safely dispose of the recalled sand in Tauranga?

• From Tuesday 18 November 2025, householders can drop these products off at Te Maunga Transfer Station, Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui, during opening hours.
• Te Maunga Transfer Station is open seven days a week, Monday - Friday 7:30am-5pm, Saturday/Sunday and public holidays 9:00am-5pm.
• We have a clearly marked wheelie bin for this material at the transfer station.

How do I safely dispose of the recalled play sand products?

Households

You must follow the process below, or you will be unable to use the safe drop off service.

Please check in with the weighbridge staff at Te Maunga Transfer Station on arrival. They will direct you to the safe drop-off point.

To safely prepare the sand for drop off:

• ensure product is in a sealed airtight container
• 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.

Schools, ECEs, retailers, workplaces, and any other non-residential source

Please review the WorkSafe guidance.

Please arrange disposal through a licensed asbestos removal specialist. You can find registered providers on the WorkSafe website.

We will continue to update you if advice changes. For any further information, questions, or health advice, please see the below websites.

• Asbestos Licence Holder Register | WorkSafe
• Recall of EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1.3kg) due to potential asbestos contamination | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
• Asbestos in coloured sand | WorkSafe
• Asbestos in sand

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