Where can I dispose of the recalled rainbow sand?

Do not dispose the recalled magic sand into your kerbside red rubbish bin

At all of our Transfer Stations head to the kiosk and let the staff know you are disposing of asbestos contaminated material and they will take you through the process.

Before bringing any products to the drop-off point, ensure you place the sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic or in multiple layers of plastic wrap, seal with tape, and clearly label as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material".

There is no charge to people for disposing of the recalled magic sand.

Further information

Refer to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment website for the latest information and guidance.

• Recall of EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1.3kg) due to potential asbestos contamination | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
• Recall expanded: samples of Kmart Magic Sand products found to contain asbestos | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being recalled?

Products identified:

• EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) – previously recalled
• Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) – previously recalled
• Four magic sand products sold at Kmart NZ:
  • 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set (Batch no: 42975724)
  • Blue Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304364)
  • Green Magic Sand (Batch no: 432919650)
  • Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371)

These items may have been sold in New Zealand through retailers including Kmart, Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle. Some online retailers may also have supplied this product.

What should I do if I have this product in my home?

• 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 or in multiple layers of plastic wrap, seal with tape, and clearly label as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material.”
• Do not dispose of in household rubbish or vacuum it up.
• If you are worried, please contact an Asbestos Removal Specialist.
• Refer to the clean-up and disposal instructions in the Health NZ webpage here: Asbestos in sand
• Once secure, we encourage people to contact your retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
• For further advice call the MBIE Consumer line 0508 426 67

Where can I safely dispose of these products?

• Redruth Resource Recovery Park - 23 Shaw St, Timaru
• Temuka Transfer Station - 45 Wilmshurst Rd, Temuka
• Geraldine Transfer Station - 128 Te Moana Rd, Geraldine
• Pleasant Point Transfer Station - 23 Beck Rd Pleasant Point

Before taking the product to any of the 4 identified sites, as per the MBIE advice: place the sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic or in multiple layers of plastic wrap, seal with tape, and clearly label as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material.

For more information on when our transfer stations are open go here: Transfer Stations - Timaru District Council

Who can take the recalled magic sand to the transfer station?

Commercial entities cannot bring the magic sand to transfer station. Places such as schools, early childhood centres are advised to contact a Asbestos Removal Specalist.