Initial 2002 POPs estimate
In 2002 Tredi New Zealand Ltd estimated the amount of rural agrichemical POPs and other intractable material (material which has to be sent overseas for disposal. Intractable material includes, but is not limited to, POPs) remaining within each region of the country. It was then estimated that approximately 282 tonnes of intractable agrichemicals remained in New Zealand. This estimate was then used to plan a three–year agrichemical collection and disposal programme (see 2003–2005 rural agricultural chemical collection programme above).
The 2002 report was sent to regional councils and feedback was sought. Initially very few responses were received, which is indicative of the difficult task in trying to estimate the agrichemical POPs volumes remaining. Often the council has very little information on which to provide a better estimate. Even when collections do occur, it is difficult to record useful information and it is particularly difficult if drop–off points are used. There are many variables that make this a very difficult task to undertake.
Revised estimate of intractable agrichemical pesticides in New Zealand
In 2002 it was estimated that 282 tonnes of intractable agrichemicals remained uncollected in New Zealand. Since 2002 approximately 228.8 tonnes of intractable material have been collected as part of the Ministry for the Environment’s agrichemical programme. This would imply that approximately 54 tonnes of intractable material remains in New Zealand.
However, it is estimated that, as at June 2006, there will be approximately 175 tonnes of uncollected intractable agrichemicals in New Zealand. This estimate is based on collection information and the experience of territorial local authorities.
The difference between the values is due to the complexity of estimating the volume of intractable materials. Intractable agrichemicals are often at the back of sheds and not easy to quantify. The 2006 estimate is based on estimates from local authorities, who have vast experience in this area.
Table 1: Revised estimate of intractable material in each region of New Zealand as at June 2006
| Region | Intractables collected during 2003 – 2005 Ministry for the Environment’s programme (tonnes) | Estimated intractable material remaining as at June 2006 (tonnes) | Quantity rating | % of total tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northland | 19.6 | 1.0 | L | 0.6% |
| Auckland | 0 | 7.0 | L | 4.0% |
| Waikato | 3 | 77.0 | H | 44.3% |
| Bay of Plenty | 13.6 | 0* | L | 0.0% |
| Gisborne | 4 | 0* | L | 0.0% |
| Hawke’s Bay | 12.5 | 0* | L | 0.0% |
| Taranaki | 2.6 | 2.0 | L | 1.2% |
| Manawatu – Wanganui | 8 | 2.0 | L | 1.2% |
| Wellington | 0 | 25.7 | M | 14.8% |
| Tasman | 8.8 | 0* | L | 0.0% |
| Nelson | 0 | 0.7 | L | 0.4% |
| Marlborough | 15.1 | 0* | L | 0.0% |
| West Coast | 0.5 | 7.0 | L | 4.0% |
| Canterbury | 106.1 | 34.1 | H | 19.6% |
| Otago | 22.4 | 11.6 | M | 6.7% |
| Southland | 10.2 | 5.8 | L | 3.3% |
| Total | 228.8 | 173.9 | 100% |
Key to table – quantity rating based on tonnes remaining: L = 0 to 10 tonnes; M = 11 to 30 tonnes; H = greater than 31 tonnes.
* Note: where an estimate is 0 tonnes, it should be noted that there are probably still small amounts of intractable material present.
The map below shows where there are still significant intractable agricultural pesticides to be collected and disposed of.
Figure 1: Quantity rating by region
Description of Figure 1
There is a high level (greater than 31 tonnes) of intractable agricultural pesticides to be collected and disposed of in the Waikato and Canterbury regions, a medium level (11 to 30 tonnes) in the Wellington and Otago regions and a low level (0 to 10 tonnes) in the Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu–Wanganui, Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast and Southland regions.
Estimate of quantity yet to be collected
L = From 0 to 10 tonnes remaining.
M = From 11 to 30 tonnes remaining.
H = Greater than 31 tonnes remaining.
More details on how the amounts for each region were calculated are provided in Appendix One.
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Estimates of intractable agrichemicals remaining in New Zealand
February 2006
© Ministry for the Environment