360 tonnes of hazardous waste to be collected from red zone homes

Liquefaction in the Burwood and New Brighton area of Christchurch. Photo / Geoff Sloan

The Government expects to have collected about 360 tonnes of hazardous waste from red zone homes in Christchurch before they're demolished later this year.

Environment Minister and Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Amy Adams announced an extra $500,000 for a mobile collection service today, bringing the total bill to more than $1 million.

Ms Adams says the extra money was allocated after the first phase collected more waste than expected. Materials that need to be gathered before the land can be cleared include cleaning products, paint, LPG and garden sprays.

The Government is funding about 76 per cent of the project with the rest coming from Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council and Waimakariri District Council.