Environment

A free service to collect and safely dispose of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
has been launched by Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Ltd (TTS).  The service is available nationwide and will run until 31 December 2011*.

Call 0800 PCB WASTE to register PCBs for collection (see detail below).

What can be disposed of?

The collection service is particularly focused on disposing of small PCB containing capacitors, typically found in older style fluorescent lighting ballasts. These ballasts may still be operating in some older buildings. Transformers and other items of electrical equipment containing PCBs may also be eligible.

Where there is a requirement to replace light fittings that contain PCBs, the replacement cost can be offset against the savings from modern energy efficient lighting.

In addition, by registering for this collection service with Transpacific Technical Services, PCB disposal costs are FREE, therefore removing a cost barrier when dealing with PCBs. This is an attractive offer encouraging building owners to have their fluorescent fittings checked and upgraded.

Significant quantities of PCBs still remain in use in New Zealand, despite legislation since 2004 prohibiting their use or storage. Increased awareness of this legislation and the mandatory elimination of PCBs is one goal of the promotion.

This promotion is made possible by a grant from the Waste Minimisation Fund managed by the Ministry for the Environment.

What are the conditions for collection?

*Conditions of the promotion are:

• This promotion is available until a total of 4 tonnes (maximum packaged weight) of PCB containing waste has been collected by Transpacific Technical Services.
• All applicants under this promotion must register with Transpacific Technical Services by phoning Carolyn Armstrong on 0800 PCB WASTE. Acceptance approvals will be issued by Transpacific Technical Services prior to pick-up.
• Any applicant currently on EPA’s PCB register must disclose this status.
• Free collection and disposal will be applied on a first come first served basis
• Transpacific Technical Services will assist applicants with information on identifying PCBs and on any requirements concerning PCB storage, handling, registration, transport and disposal.
• Transpacific Technical Services retains sole discretion as to whether or not to accept PCB waste and is not obligated to accept waste it considers outside the promotion’s objectives. 
• PCBs must be removed from lighting systems or fittings and rendered safe, prior to Transpacific Technical Services accepting possession.

Further information

Transpacific Technical Services is able to provide more information about the project to building owners and other organisations who think they may still have PCB components. This includes information to help identify whether or not suspect capacitors and ballasts actually contain PCBs.

Further information on PCBs is available on the following websites:

• Safe Management of PCBs Code of Practice publication is on the Ministry of Health website: www.moh.govt.nz
• Phasing out Small PCB Holdings is on the ERMA website: www.ermanz.govt.nz