Hazardous Household Waste

Most people use various chemicals and substances in and around their households. Some of these may contain hazardous chemicals. Common examples are old garden sprays, household cleaners, paint, glues and chemicals used in hobbies (e.g. pottery, lead-lighting).

Putting out hazardous chemicals with general household rubbish can do a lot of damage. If the packaging is old and deteriorating the contents can present a hazard to kerbside waste collection staff. Once placed in a landfill, the wastes can leach through soils, contaminating groundwater and even affect the food chain.

Resene Paintwise Recycling of Unused Paint

Resource Recovery Centres collect unused paint and containers under the Resene Paintwise scheme:

Resene containers are collected free of charge;
Containers (up to 4 litres) $1.00 each
Containers (4 litres or more) $2.50 each
More details on the Resene Paintwise programme

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Service

For the safe disposal of household hazardous wastes, Tasman District Council provides a drop off service in conjunction with Nelson City Council.

Tasman District Council remains legally responsible for the waste it accepts and it is therefore necessary to get authorisation for disposal prior to using the service to ensure everything is done safely.

There is a nominal fee to be paid at the Nelson City Council Transfer Station for use of the service.
Nelson City Council Transfer Station Opening Hours and Fees

There are alternative arrangements in place for Golden Bay residents. Please contact Council's Golden Bay Office in Takaka for details.
Tasman District Council - Golden Bay Office

How to Use the Service

It is your responsibility to obtain the required documentation and transport the household hazardous wastes to the Nelson City Council Refuse Transfer Station in Vivian Place (off Pascoe Street) Tahunanui for disposal.

Download and complete the form below to request approval to use the service for your waste. Details of where to send it are on the form.

Household hazardous waste disposal form

Packaging and Transporting Household Hazardous Waste

Make sure the household hazardous wastes are safely wrapped and contained, preferably in their original containers and include all labelling and other information. The packaged wastes should not be able to leak or mix with other packaged waste. Do not combine different hazardous wastes into the same container.

Materials Accepted

Essentially all household chemicals are accepted. If you have an unknown substance and are not sure what it is, please provide any information you can, such as quantity, age, type of packaging, what it was used for (e.g. controlling insect pests on cabbages or fungus growth on leaves) etc. This will assist staff to identify the substance.

Hazardous Waste Not Accepted

Some hazardous waste will not be accepted through this process and need to be handled by other agencies. The following items will NOT be accepted:

Commercial hazardous waste
demolition wastes (such as asbestos)
agricultural and horticultural hazardous waste
explosives
fumigants

Further Information

Any queries about household hazardous wastes and their disposal should be directed to Council's Resource Scientist - Contaminants.
Contact Jenny Easton, Resource Scientist - Contaminants