Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is something that poses a danger or risk to people and/or the environment. Products which are corrosive, flammable or combustible, explosive or reactive, or poisonous are considered hazardous.
Always read the labelling and follow any usage and disposal instructions carefully.
Whanganui District Council has announced the next Household Hazardous Waste Day will be on Saturday, 20 April 2024. Hazardous waste needs to be registered with the Council by 5.00pm on Monday, DATE. Scroll down and click on 'Register online', (or click here) for the form. Once submitted, the Council will contact you with a drop-off location and a time. (Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a ‘first in, first served’ basis.)
Check the list on the WDC website of hazardous waste which is accepted.
Read this 2019 article which introduced the initiative.
Most people use hazardous chemicals everyday without thinking about it.
Examples from the garage and backyard
- solvents, strippers, thinners; wood treatment or preservatives; glue; garden and pest chemicals (herbicides, fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, weedkillers); petrol and oil; vehicle batteries; pool chemicals
Examples from inside the house
- disinfectant or bleach; medicines; nail polish and nail polish remover; shoe polish; kitchen and oven cleaners
See chemical (household) | chemical (industrial) | agrichemical | garden chemical
There are alternatives to using hazardous products. Look for products labelled environmentally-friendly e.g. eco-cleaners, enviro-friendly garden sprays.
If you cannot find an alternative non-hazardous product
- buy only what you need (check the product recommendations)
- choose refills rather than buy new containers
Consider sharing leftover products with neighbours, friends or family (e.g. does a neighbour need some weed-killer?).
Donating to a community group for a local project.
Check with the product's manufacturer if there is a take-back scheme.
Keep from landfill wherever possible.