Hazardous Waste

What Can Be Accepted At A Transfer Station

Domestic Quantities of Hazardous Waste

A number of materials and chemicals are classified as hazardous waste and their disposal to landfill should be avoided. Examples of hazardous wastes are; asbestos, PCBs (in old capacitors), re-chargeable batteries, pesticides, solvents and used oil.

Domestic quantities of these wastes are accepted free of charge at any of Marlborough's transfer stations.

If you have unidentifiable waste the attendant will help you decide whether or not to place it in the hazardous waste collection area.

If you have larger than domestic quantities of hazardous waste needing disposal, please contact Council for advice.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the gases which were used until about 20 years ago in most refrigeration and air-conditioning units. Under the Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996, it is against the law to knowingly release these gases into the atmosphere.

Council contracts a registered operator to de-gas all such units which are dropped off for disposal at the transfer stations. This is done before the units are crushed and transported from the district for recycling.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

Unlike the traditional incandescent light bulbs, the modern CFL bulbs emit most of their energy as light rather than heat. This makes them between 50 and 80% more efficient. They also last about eight times longer.

On the downside, they contain a small amount of mercury which, if not recovered responsibly, can cause harm to the environment and to human and animal health.

Domestic customers should take used CFLs to a transfer station for disposal. There is currently no charge for this.

Commercial customers should contact an electrical supplier about disposal options.

Used Oil

Domestic quantities of used oil can be dropped off free of charge at Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Rai Valley and Seddon transfer stations. There is a charge of 10 cents per litre for quantities of oil larger than 20 litres.

Lead Acid Batteries

Vehicle batteries can be dropped off free of charge at Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Rai Valley, Seddon and Wairau Valley transfer stations.

Dry Cell Batteries

Batteries can be dropped off at any of the transfer stations (except Ward), the Resource Recovery Centre, Wither Road Extension, or at the following retailers: Supervalue Redwoodtown, Redwoodtown Pharmacy, Wairau Pharmacy, Mortimer's Pharmacy, Topshot Photolab and Fine Photos.