Decription:

This publication is a revised and updated version of Hazardous Wastes: Appropriate Technologies for New Zealand originally included as Part 3 in Our Waste: Our Responsibility, published by the Centre for Advanced Engineering in 1992.

Since 1992, hazardous waste management, as an issue, has risen in prominence and become a focus of concern. A number of studies and reports have been released within the last three years, and the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) established a Hazardous Waste Programme (HWP) in 1997.

Updated information is provided in the following areas:

* New Zealand legislation and regulations addressing hazardous waste;
* initiatives and programmes at central and local government level involving hazardous waste;
* general treatment and disposal processes and storage considerations;
* transport issues; and
* emergencies involving hazardous waste.The document is, thus, a resource compiling specific information related to management of hazardous waste in New Zealand, as well as providing more general information. It aims to assist the reader to form an understanding of the special requirements and care necessary when handling or dealing with this type of waste, and the need to practice due diligence.
It is important to note that this publication describes current practices and concerns related to hazardous waste, thus providing a 'snapshot' of present hazardous waste issues and accepted 'good practice'. The information and references presented here are intended to serve as a background to enable the reader to research their own specific needs.