Hazardous waste

Learn about the safe disposal of hazardous substances from your household. These include BBQ gas bottles, helium bottles, car batteries, fire extinguishers, butane gas canisters, most chemicals, paint and solvents.

From 1 February 2024, there’ll be a few changes for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula residents to keep in mind when sorting their recycling, organics and rubbish.

New national standards to kerbside bin collections are in place, which means most Kiwis can now sort their recycling, organics and rubbish in the same way.

To help you prepare, we’ve updated our webpages with the new guidelines.

To find out more, visit our Kerbside changes webpage

LPG gas bottles, Helium bottles and car batteries

You need to dispose of these items safely. Take them to any of our EcoDrop recycling centres(external link) for free.

Please keep hazardous waste out of the kerbside collection bins or drains.

Do you have any of these hazardous items?

The EcoDrop Recycling Centres accept the following items:

  • LPG gas bottles, helium gas bottles and butane camping gas canisters
  • Car batteries
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Used engine oil
  • Household batteries
  • Liquid chemicals
  • Dry chemicals
  • Household cleaners
  • Paints and associated painting solvents
  • Fireworks
  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Garden pesticides 
  • Cooking oil

Take them to a EcoDrop recycling centre

Open 7 days, 7am to 4.30pm:

Domestic quantities only.

Things that we can't accept at our recycling centres

For more information go to the EcoCentral website(external link).

How to recycle your household batteries safely

Batteries contain numerous components that are bad for the environment. If put in wheelie bins, batteries can potentially harm staff and members of the public.

Collecting batteries before they deteriorate means they can be recycled appropriately, saving valuable components for reuse and reducing the risk to people and the environment.

Find a battery recycling station by visiting battery recycling

How to dispose of your fireworks safely

  1. Soak - Completely submerge fireworks in a bucket of water. Allow to soak overnight.
  2. Wrap - Double wrap soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or plastic bags so they do not dry out.
  3. Dispose - Place wrapped bags in the red bin.

Alternatively you can drop these off at an EcoDrop recycling centre.