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Links to related Ministry programmes

Stockholm Convention

When materials are burnt the by-products that are released to air include dioxins, furans, HCB, and PCBs. These chlorine-containing chemicals are listed under the Stockholm on Persistent Organic Pollutants as toxics that bioaccumulate through the food chain.  Efforts to minimise their release are part of a world-wide programme of action under the convention.  For further information see the Ministry’s Action Plan for Dioxins and other Annex C Chemicals contained within New Zealand’s National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention.

Hazardous Waste Programme

When hazardous wastes are burnt the emissions can contain chemicals that effect human and environmental health. The National Environmental Standards are one of number of elements of the Policy Framework to Reduce and Safely Manage Hazardous Wastes in New Zealand. The National Environmental Standards for air quality have banned a number of activities which release hazardous chemicals into the air. These activities include the:

  • burning tyres in the open
  • burning bitumen used in road maintenance
  • burning copper wire in the open
  • burning of oil in the open
  • deliberate use of landfill fires
  • construction of new high temperature hazardous waste incinerators
  • use of school and healthcare incinerators unless resource consents are obtained.

Used Oil Management Programme

Improper disposal of used oil can cause serious adverse effects on the environment. The National Environmental Standards ban the burning of oil in the open. More information on used oil and how it is managed in New Zealand can be found on the Ministry’s website.

 

Last updated: 17 July 2009