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Priority hazardous wastes

As a part of the hazardous waste work programme, the Ministry has developed a list of priority hazardous wastes. These wastes are listed as priorities because by improving the systems to manage them, we can reduce the risk to people or the environment. The Ministry will work on these improvements using the elements identified in the policy framework, including group standards and product stewardship.

The following criteria were used to rank the priority hazardous wastes:

  • level of potential harm to people and/or to the environment from inappropriate management
  • quantity of waste produced (based on available information)
  • number of generators of a particular waste
  • current management practices for the wastes
  • likely risk of inappropriate disposal
  • where opportunities may exist or are required for more appropriate management.

The priority hazardous wastes table identifies the priority hazardous wastes for New Zealand.

Last updated: 17 September 2007