The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is providing support after suppliers Kmart and Educational Colours issued a national recall of several children's coloured play sand products – tests have found low levels of tremolite (a naturally occurring asbestos).
MBIE is working with WorkSafe, Ministry of Education, Te Whatu Ora, and retailers to confirm the scope and coordinate next steps. MBIE has also asked councils to assist with enquiries about safe disposal, as it is not safe to put asbestos in general rubbish.
Justine Haves, General Manager Waste Solutions at Auckland Council emphasises the importance of following all advice from MBIE and disposing of the product safely.
“We know that this has caused concern, and we want to reassure the community that MBIE, Worksafe, us and other agencies are working quickly to minimise the risk to Aucklanders. For those who have been affected, it’s really important that you follow all advice from these agencies and safely dispose of the product.”
Have you been affected by the product recall?
For private households, follow the advice from Health NZ for safely containing the product:
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Keep the sand sealed in its container and place it in a thick plastic bag and secure it securely with tape.
- Place the bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal securely with tape, and label it clearly as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material”.
- Do not dispose of the product in your household rubbish.
- Do not take asbestos to a transfer station.
Drop-off site in Auckland for individuals and families
Take your safely-contained product to the Auckland Council Asbestos Lab in Grafton.
Auckland Council Asbestos Lab
Kari Street, Grafton (Old City Parks Nursery / Depot at end of Kari Steet – drive to the far end of the street and through the gates)
- Drop off is available between the hours of 9am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
- The gates will be open at these times and there is parking on site.
- Follow signs to the special bins for placing your safely-contained product. Do not unwrap the product, place the wrapped product directly into the bin.
Business and workplaces
This drop-off site is for home environments only. Education facilities and workplaces need to follow removal advice provided by WorkSafe.
WorkSafe strongly recommend engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal – a list of licensed removalists can be found on the WorkSafe website.
Further Information
Details on clean-up and disposal for private households are available on the Health NZ website.
Recall details are available on the Product Safety New Zealand website.
For more information and to stay up to date, visit the MBIE website: Recall expanded: samples of Kmart Magic Sand products found to contain asbestos.
