Asbestos Disposal in New Zealand
New Zealand has no single asbestos-waste regulator: WorkSafe governs the work, and your local council decides which landfills can accept asbestos under the Resource Management Act.
Where asbestos waste can go
Asbestos waste must go to a landfill authorised under the Resource Management Act to accept it. It can't go in general waste, and it must never be burned. There is no national directory, so contact your local council to find a tip that takes asbestos.
Official facility list: WorkSafe NZ: asbestos.
Who can remove and dispose of it
A licensed removalist isn't required for 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos, though WorkSafe warns DIY work is dangerous and recommends a reputable contractor. Only a subset of landfills are consented to take asbestos, so phone the tip several days ahead so they can prepare, and confirm their limits and process.
How to package and label it
However you get asbestos to a facility, it has to be contained the same way:
- Keep the material wet and intact. Never break, cut or sand it to make it fit.
- Double-wrap sheets, or double-bag smaller pieces and dust, in heavy-duty 200-micron (0.2 mm) polythene plastic.
- Seal every join and bag opening with strong adhesive tape so nothing can escape.
- Fill bags no more than half full, then twist, fold and tape the neck closed.
- Label each package clearly as asbestos waste, for example "CAUTION ASBESTOS: DO NOT INHALE DUST".
Transporting and tracking the waste
Asbestos waste must stay in sealed, labelled containers during transport, and transporting it is itself asbestos-related work under the 2016 regulations. There is no national waste-tracking system; larger or friable loads are a Class 9 dangerous good and may trigger dangerous-goods transport rules, including a declaration and placarding.
Penalties for getting it wrong
Illegal dumping is an offence under the Resource Management Act 1991. Since 21 August 2025 the maximum penalty for an individual is a fine of up to $1 million or 18 months' imprisonment, and for a company a fine of up to $10 million. Improper handling can also be prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Specific to New Zealand
- There is no national list of asbestos-accepting landfills: which sites take it, and at what cost, varies council by council.
- Only a limited number of landfills are consented to accept asbestos, so phone ahead.
- Transporting larger or friable loads can trigger dangerous-goods rules under the Land Transport Rule.
Who regulates this
- WorkSafe New ZealandRemoving, handling, storing and transporting asbestos
- Regional and territorial councilsLandfill consents under the Resource Management Act
Not sure you should handle it yourself? Find a licensed asbestos removalist on Asbestos List, or read the Class A vs Class B licence guide to understand who can do what.
This information is a general reference for New Zealand and can change. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant regulator and the receiving facility before transporting or disposing of asbestos waste.