BOP Councils Provide Drop-Off Sites For Coloured Sand Disposal - Multiple Schools Closed
- Jessica Doney
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Councils across the Bay of Plenty have set up dedicated drop-off sites for the coloured sand products which have been recalled across the country by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) first issued the public recall last Wednesday. An update was issued on Saturday, advising consumers and workplaces that the scope of the coloured sand recall has expanded due to asbestos being detected in further samples.
People are being urged to not dispose of the product in regular household rubbish or recycling and instead use designated drop-off bins provided by local councils.
Whakatāne District Council advise that clearly marked wheelie bins have been set aside for BOP Councils Provide Drop-Off Sites For Coloured Sand Disposal - Multiple Schools Closedthe product at both the Whakatāne and Murupara Resource Recovery Centres.
Ōpōtiki District Council have provided a designated yellow wheelie bin located near the weighbridge at the Ōpōtiki Resource Recovery Centre.
No asbestos disposal facilities are available at the Kawerau Transfer Station. Kawerau District Council advise residents to contact authorised asbestos handlers to dispose of the coloured sand correctly.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has set up dedicated drop-off bins at its Te Puke and Katikati Recycling Centres.
Meanwhile, schools have been impacted by the discovery with some having to close to allow for asbestos testing.
James Street School has been closed since Monday. The school posted that some of it's classrooms are safe to return to but has asked students from rooms Tōtara, Tawa, Ponga, Pōhutukawa and Tī Kōuka to remain home on Wednesday.
Allandale School was also closed on Monday and Tuesday but will reopen Wednesday after testing results gave them the all clear.
Apanui School was closed Monday, and Kawerau South School also asked students from affected classrooms to stay home while testing was undertaken.
