Residents in Christchurch's red zone will get more than half a million dollars from the government to dispose of hazardous household waste.
Environment Minister Nick Smith says it's important any hazardous items such as cleaning products, paint, LPG and garden sprays in more than 6000 red zone properties be dealt with safely and in an environmentally sound way.
"We don't want to see these hazardous materials being tipped down drains or buried just to create future environmental and health risks," Dr Smith said when announcing the $509,000 government contribution.
"This initiative means that residential red zone homeowners can easily and safely dispose of hazardous waste from their properties."
Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Environment Canterbury will provide a free drop-off service.
A mobile service will collect waste from those who can't bring it in themselves, while the properties will be searched for remaining hazardous waste prior to their demolition.
The councils are providing an extra $260,000 towards the collection and disposal of the waste.
"The earthquakes in Canterbury have caused an unprecedented amount of waste. This project joins a number of other government supported initiatives to help Canterbury deal with this waste and help the region get back on its feet," Dr Smith said.
NZN