Introduction

Waste is any material – solid, liquid or gas – that is unwanted and disposed of by its owner. Commonly-produced waste includes paper, plastic, glass, metals, organic waste and commercial wastes, such as construction and demolition materials. Hazardous waste has one or more properties that make it harmful to the environment and/or people.

The Regional Council is responsible for the collection, storage and disposal of hazardous waste substances in Northland. Council staff also monitor contaminated sites and closed and operational landfills in the region, to check that they are not having a negative effect on the environment. In addition, the Council works with industry and the local community to try and reduce the amount of waste produced in the region.

Photo: Hazardous substance collection turns up a wide range of old chemicals. The Council operates a free collection service to reduce the number of potentially hazardous substances throughout Northland.