Rainbow sand recall – disposal information
Where can I dispose of the recalled rainbow sand?
You can dispose of rainbow sand and other contaminated items at a special waste disposal point from Tuesday, 18 November, at the following locations:
- Invercargill Transfer Station
303 Bond Street, West Invercargill, Invercargill 9810 - Winton Transfer Station
193 Florence Road, Winton, Southland - Te Anau Transfer Station
237 Manapouri Te Anau Highway, Te Anau, Southland - Gore Transfer Station
24 Toronto Street, East Gore, Gore 9710
Before bringing any products to the drop-off point, ensure you place the sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic, seal with tape, and clearly label as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material".
When you arrive at the transfer station let the attendant know you are looking to dispose of asbestos contaminated material, and they will direct you to the designated locked container.
There is no charge for this contaminated item disposal.
Further information
Refer to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment website for the latest information and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being recalled?
Products identified:
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is advising consumers and workplaces that the scope of the coloured sand recall has expanded due to asbestos being detected in further samples.
- EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) – previously recalled
- Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) – previously recalled
- Four magic sand products sold at Kmart NZ:
- 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set (Batch no: 42975724)
- Blue Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304364)
- Green Magic Sand (Batch no: 432919650)
- Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371)
These items may have been sold in New Zealand through retailers including Kmart, Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle. Some online retailers may also have supplied this product.
What should I do if I have this product in my home?
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Do not let children touch or play with the sand.
- Place the sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic, seal with tape, and clearly label as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material.”
- Do not dispose of in household rubbish or vacuum it up. Contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely.
- 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 0508 426 67
Where can I safely dispose of these products?
The WasteNet Councils have employed the services of a Class A licensed asbestos business, and special wate disposal points are currently being set-up at the following locations:
- Invercargill Transfer Station
303 Bond Street, West Invercargill, Invercargill 9810 - Winton Transfer Station
193 Florence Road, Winton, Southland - Te Anau Transfer Station
237 Manapouri Te Anau Highway, Te Anau, Southland - Gore Transfer Station
24 Toronto Street, East Gore, Gore 9710
Please note, arrangements are currently being put in place, and will be available for use by the public from Tuesday the 18th of November, according to the standard opening days and times for each of the referenced sites.
Before taking the product to any of the 4 identified sites, as per the MBIE advice: place the sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic, seal with tape, and clearly label as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material. Following the directors of the site attendant, who will provide access to the locked designated container.
The designated locked containers will remain in place for some weeks, until the WasteNet Councils are advised by the authorities that they are no longer required.
