Rainbow sand disposal
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has issued a public recall for coloured sand from Kmart, after tests found tremolite (a naturally occurring asbestos). You can find a full list of the recalled products and more information here: Recall expanded: samples of Kmart Magic Sand products found to contain asbestos
Immediate advice for consumers
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment advises those who've bought these products to:
- 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.
Where to dispose of it locally
Our refuse stations don't normally accept asbestos. However, we will be accepting this rainbow sand from local households for a month, from 14 November 2025. See our refuse transfer station locations here. Please let our staff know when you arrive that you have the contaminated sand, they have dedicated bins to place it in. Drop off is free.
Contaminated sand from workplaces or retailers will need to be managed directly by a registered asbestos licence holder (see advice below).
Immediate advice for workplaces
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment advises:
- Stop using the product immediately
- If the sand is in a sealed container, move it to a secure location away from people.
- If the sand is currently being used in your workplace, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible.
- Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand or attempt to clean it up.
- Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on your specific situation. Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register.
More information
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand advice.
Worksafe guidance for workplaces.
For advice for schools and early education centres, contact the Ministry of Education at 0800 323 323.
For further advice call the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment at 0508 426 678.
