The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued a public recall for some brands of coloured sand products after tests found naturally occurring asbestos.
The affected products are EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), Kmart Magic Sand and Kmart 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set, and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) which have been sold in New Zealand through retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle. Some online retailers may also have supplied this product.
Immediate advice for consumers
- Stop using the product immediately. Do not let children touch or play with the sand.
- Secure the product. Place the sand in a sealed container. Double-bag it in thick plastic, seal with tape, and clearly label “Asbestos-Contaminated Material.”
Do not dispose of in household rubbish bags, or vacuum the sand.
Where to dispose of contaminated sand
Residents and schools/early childhood centres can dispose of these products at the following transfer stations during normal opening hours:
- Huntly Transfer Station, 93 McVie Road, Huntly
- Te Kauwhata Transfer Station, Rata Street, Te Kauwhata
- Xtreme Zero Waste, 186 Te Hutewai Road, Raglan
When you arrive please speak to staff to let them know you are there to dispose of contaminated sand. They have special bins available they’ll need to direct you to.
Make sure you’ve double bagged and labelled the sand before you arrive.
Retailers who have the sand in stock are encouraged to arrange disposal through a licensed asbestos removal specialist. You can find registered providers on the WorkSafe website.
