The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued a public recall for the following sand play products, after tests found tremolite and chrysotile (a naturally occurring asbestos).
- 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: 42919650)
- Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371)
Source: Recall expanded: samples of Kmart Magic Sand products found to contain asbestos | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
They have advised anyone wishing to dispose of the recalled coloured sand products should contact their local council.
Please do not dispose of these items in any of your kerbside bins.
Where can I safely dispose of the recalled sand in Tauranga?
- From Tuesday 18 November 2025, householders can drop these products off at Te Maunga Transfer Station, Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui, during opening hours.
- Te Maunga Transfer Station is open seven days a week, Monday - Friday 7:30am-5pm, Saturday/Sunday and public holidays 9:00am-5pm.
- We have a clearly marked wheelie bin for this material at the transfer station.
How do I safely dispose of the recalled play sand products?
Households
You must follow the process below, or you will be unable to use the safe drop off service.
Please check in with the weighbridge staff at Te Maunga Transfer Station on arrival. They will direct you to the safe drop-off point.
To safely prepare the sand for drop off:
- ensure product is in a sealed airtight container
- double bag the material in sealed plastic bags or wrap it in plastic and tape it securely
- WorkSafe provides further guidance on how to handle asbestos safely.
Schools, ECEs, retailers, workplaces, and any other non-residential source
Please review the WorkSafe guidance.
Please arrange disposal through a licensed asbestos removal specialist. You can find registered providers on the WorkSafe website.
We will continue to update you if advice changes. For any further information, questions, or health advice, please see the below websites.