Endosulfan disposal reminder

Endosulfan disposal reminder

The Environmental Risk Management Authority is reminding people that all stocks of the prohibited insecticide endosulfan must be safely disposed of by 17 January 2010.

Endosulfan is acutely toxic to humans and very toxic in the aquatic environment. It was formerly used on a variety of crops in New Zealand including vegetables, berry fruit, citrus, and ornamentals, as well as for earthworm control on turf.

In December 2008, the Authority concluded that the risks from the co ntinued use of endosulfan outweighed any benefits of it being available in New Zealand.
It revoked the approvals for endosulfan and prohibited its import, manufacture and use in New Zealand. The changes came into effect in January this year, and users wer e given 12 months to dispose of any unused stock.

ERMA New Zealand staff have been working with regional councils, waste disposal contractors and industry associations to ensure all stock is disposed of safely by the deadline.

Rural recycling programme Agrecovery is also collecting endosulfan and can be contacted on 0800 247 326.

For more information on the disposal of endosulfan, visit http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/focus/endosulfan/index.html

ENDS

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