Used oil is the single largest non-watery liquid waste stream in NZ. It is contaminated with a large range of toxic substances including benzene, toluene, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to its significant ecotoxic properties, used oil can also be toxic to humans. Used oil contains arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and zinc, all of which can be toxic to plants, animals and aquatic organisms. In addition dioxins contained in used oil can affect fertility, reproduction and the immune system.
At Xtreme Waste we collect used oil - collection site is located opposite the metal yard.This oil is then collected by R.O.S.E oil collection and recycling services. Potential uses for recycled oil include
Re-refining - removal of impurities and use as a lubricant (currently not done in NZ)
Reprocessing - Filtering or gravity separation to remove impurities to produce partially clean oil
Burning - this is form of energy recovery as it is used as a substitute fuel
FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS, BATTERIES AND INK TONERS
Energy Saving Light Bulbs
Fluorescent lights and CFC'c should last 8,000 - 10,000 hours, around 10 times longer than the old bulbs. They use 1/5th of the energy too. However they contain a smal amount of mercury, so responsible disposal is extremely important.
Collection and Disposal Options
Xtreme Waste collects small CFLs for FREE and charges $1 for the long tubes. In Hamilton Lighting Plus will take them for free. The bulbs can also be disposed of at the Refuse Transfer Station in Lincoln Stt. and at the Hamilton Environment Ctre at 25 Ward St, Level 1.
Recycling fluorescent tubes is the business of Inter Waste, a company that fully recycles all components of the lamps, and has collection agents across much of New Zealand. For further information, please go to: www.interwaste.co.nz
BATTERIES
Toxic batteries (nickel cadmium, metal hydride, mercury etc) are collected with our hazardous waste. These are then recycled. This inlcudes large car batteries. Although we collect batteries we can not recycle them all. They are sorted and we pick out the hazardous, toxic ones and sets them aside for collection.
There are well-established methods for recycling most batteries containing lead, nickel cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and mercury. Both non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries can be recycled and, wherever possible, all should be disposed of safely. However, the infrastructure for recycling smaller batteries is relatively small in New Zealand.
Using rechargable batteries for high energy demand items, will save you money as well as reduce the numbers of batteries being thrown into landfills.
INK TONERS AND CARTRIDGES
All ink toners and cartridges can be collected for recycling. Currently we send all our ink cartridges to a company called TRC (Toner Recycling Centre). TRC is an Albany based company that operates a free nationwide waste collection service for all of its customers. TRC was officially established in 1999. The main aim of TRC is to obtain empty imaging waste (toner cartridges, inkjet cartridges, fax cartridges, and photocopier bottles) from public and private sectors and direct it towards a more environmentally sound future use. Plastic deemed suitable for recycling is put through an onsite granulator and stored until there is enough to hand onto a strategic partner is Australia. This company has produced an injection moulding process that can create a variety of environmentally friendly furniture and building products.
