5510 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment

Written Question

Published date: 27 Feb 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	5510 (2025)
Question asked:	16 Feb 2025
Member asking:	Hon Rachel Brooking
Portfolio:	Minister for the Environment
Minister replying:	Hon Penny Simmonds
Answer received:	24 Feb 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_05510_2025
Document guid:	11221fcc-ae2d-4954-bedb-01be822105f5

5510 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment: Has she received any advice on the impact of improper battery disposal on soil and water contamination, and if so, what are the findings?

Hon Penny Simmonds: No. However, I have recently received a letter from WasteMINZ outlining concerns around the risk and impact surrounding battery collection and recycling in New Zealand. In that letter, WasteMINZ noted that improper disposal of batteries poses significant environmental risk, including harmful chemicals being released into the environment, polluting soil and water. I am aware that officials are engaged in further work on batteries, but I am yet to receive detailed advice from officials.