MEDIA RELEASE

2 May 2005

Take hazardous waste to Western Springs on Saturday

The free Hazmobile collection for hazardous household waste will be in the public carpark on Motions Road, Western Springs on Saturday, 7 May from 10am to 2pm.

The collection provides a convenient and safe disposal method for Aucklanders, preventing dangerous hazardous waste from putting people and the environment at risk, says Warwick Jaine, Auckland City’s resource recovery manager.

“Hazardous waste can be dangerous at every stage of its ‘life’,” says Mr Jaine. “Hazardous materials stored at home can react with one another and cause a fire or toxic fumes, children can easily poison themselves and containers may leak and contaminate the soil or groundwater.”

Hazardous waste disposed of with household rubbish or put out with the inorganic rubbish collection can potentially injure rubbish collectors, sometimes severely. Hazardous waste that ends up in landfills takes years to break down and can pollute the environment.

The collection service, a joint initiative between councils throughout the Auckland region, enables Aucklanders to play their part in keeping the city clean by disposing of their waste safely.

Most household hazardous waste is accepted for collection, including items such as paint, glues, pesticides, oil, cleaning products, batteries and mobile phones.

The Hazmobile does not accept asbestos, ammunition and explosives, medical and hazardous commercial waste.

For further information, visit www.hazmobile.govt.nz or ph (09) 366 2000.

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