Recalled Play Sand at Home? Here's What Parents Need to Know About Safe Disposal

In November 2025, Australian health authorities issued urgent recall notices for multiple children's play sand products after laboratory testing detected traces of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos. Whilst this news understandably concerns many parents, it's important to understand both the nature of the risk and the straightforward steps you can take to dispose of these products safely.

This guide provides clear, practical information for parents who have these products at home and need to arrange proper disposal.

Understanding Which Products Are Affected

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued recalls for the following products, sold throughout Australia between 2020 and 2025:

Educational Colours and Related Brands:

• Kadink Sand (1.3kg) - various colours

• Kadink Decorative Sand (10g) 6-pack - all colours

• Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)

• Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)

Kmart and Target Products:

• Active Sandtub 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set

• Blue Magic Sand

• Green Magic Sand

• Pink Magic Sand

These products were sold at major retailers including Kmart, Target, Officeworks, Woolworths, and various educational supply stores. If you've purchased coloured play sand from any of these retailers during this period, check your product labels against the recall list.

What Parents Need to Know About the Health Risk

According to official guidance from enHealth (Australia's Environmental Health Standing Committee), preliminary assessments indicate a low risk to human health from these products. The ACCC has stated that the release of respirable asbestos fibres is unlikely to occur in the sand's current state, unless it's processed by mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising.

Health authorities, including enHealth and SafeWork SA, have made clear that clinical assessment is not recommended for those who may have been in contact with these products based on currently available information. If you or your children have used these products, there is no need for urgent medical attention.

However, proper disposal procedures are still essential. The key is to minimise any potential dust generation and ensure the material reaches an appropriate licensed disposal facility.

Why Regular Household Waste Bags Aren't Suitable

Standard household garbage bags are not appropriate for disposing of potentially asbestos-containing materials. Household bins are not equipped to handle hazardous waste, and disposing of these products in general waste creates unnecessary risk for waste collection workers and the environment.

Australian regulations require that asbestos-containing materials be disposed of at licensed facilities. This ensures proper handling and prevents any potential environmental contamination. The good news is that with the right equipment, you can prepare these products safely at home before taking them to an approved facility.

Getting the Right Disposal Equipment

Surepak supplies GHS-compliant asbestos disposal bags suitable for household use. Our small size bags (600mm x 900mm, 200 micron) are ideal for disposing of individual sand containers, whilst medium bags (700mm x 1100mm, 200 micron) provide extra capacity for multiple items or cleaning materials.

All Surepak asbestos disposal bags feature:

• 200 micron heavy-duty polyethylene construction

• Welded seams for maximum strength

• Clear material with red warning labels

• GHS-compliant "DANGER ASBESTOS DUST. Do not inhale dust. May cause lung cancer. Do not open or puncture bag" labelling

• Australian Standards compliance

We understand that parents need reliable solutions quickly. Surepak offers fast Australia-wide delivery, with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth ensuring efficient distribution.

For parents needing to dispose of recalled play sand products, order individual bags or small packs through our website. Our team can also provide guidance on the appropriate bag size for your specific needs.

Safe Disposal Steps for Parents

Follow these steps to safely manage recalled play sand products in your home:

If the Sand Is Still in Its Original Packaging

1. Do not open the packaging

2. Wear disposable gloves and a P2 mask (not a standard dust mask)

3. Place the entire unopened package inside a heavy-duty 200 micron asbestos disposal bag

4. Place this first bag into a second asbestos disposal bag (double-bagging)

5. Seal both bags securely with heavy-duty tape

6. Label clearly as "Asbestos-Contaminated Material"

7. Store in a secure location away from children until you can arrange disposal

If the Sand Has Been Opened or Used

If the sand is loose or has been used in play areas, take additional precautions:

Personal Protection:

• Wear disposable gloves

• Wear a P2 rated face mask (these fit snugly and cover half your face)

• Wear protective eyewear

• Wear disposable coveralls and tuck gloves under elasticised cuffs of your clothing, or tape cuffs to create a proper seal

Collection Method:

1. Use the wet spray method - mist the sand lightly with water to prevent dust generation

2. Collect the wetted sand using wet cloths or wet wipes

3. Do NOT use a domestic vacuum cleaner

4. Do NOT sweep or create dust

Containment:

1. Place all collected sand and cleaning materials into a 200 micron asbestos disposal bag

2. Fill bags to no more than half capacity for safe handling

3. Place this bag into a second asbestos disposal bag

4. Seal both bags tightly with heavy-duty tape

5. Label clearly as "Asbestos-Contaminated Material"

Cleaning Play Areas After Sand Removal

After removing the sand, you'll need to clean areas where it was used:

1. Continue wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, P2 mask, eye protection)

2. Use the wet wipe method with damp cloths to clean surfaces

3. Do not sweep or vacuum

4. Wipe down all surfaces where sand may have been present

5. Dispose of all cleaning cloths and materials in asbestos disposal bags

6. Place all disposable protective equipment (gloves, masks, coveralls if used) into the disposal bags

7. Wash hands thoroughly after completing the cleaning process

For sandpits or outdoor play areas with larger quantities, consider engaging a licensed asbestos assessor to determine the appropriate remediation approach.

Where to Take Sealed Bags for Disposal

Do not dispose of these products in your regular household waste. Contact your local council for guidance on approved asbestos disposal facilities in your area. Most councils have designated facilities or collection days for hazardous waste.

You can also visit the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website for information on disposal facilities in your state or territory. When transporting sealed bags to a disposal facility, keep them in the boot of your vehicle and ensure they remain sealed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my children's clothes need washing after using the sand?

According to official guidance, regular machine washing of clothes is sufficient if your children have used these products. There is no need for special decontamination of children's clothing for casual home use.

Should my children see a doctor?

Health authorities have stated that clinical assessment is not recommended based on current information. If you have ongoing concerns about your family's health, contact Healthline or speak with your GP.

What if I've already thrown the product in general waste?

Contact your local council's waste management service immediately for advice on retrieval or proper handling.

Can I return the product to the store for disposal?

Retailers are offering full refunds, but you must arrange safe disposal first. Once you have properly disposed of the product according to official guidance, contact the retailer where you purchased it to arrange your refund.

What if I'm unsure whether my sand is affected?

If you purchased coloured play sand from any of the affected retailers between 2020 and 2025 and cannot verify the brand, treat it as potentially contaminated and follow the disposal procedures outlined above.

Taking the Right Steps Forward

Whilst discovering that your children's play sand contains asbestos is undoubtedly concerning, following proper disposal procedures significantly minimises any potential risk. The key principles are straightforward: minimise dust generation through wet methods, use appropriate containment in 200 micron bags, and ensure disposal at licensed facilities.

Health authorities have emphasised that the risk from these products is low, particularly when handled correctly. By taking these careful but practical steps, you're ensuring the safety of your family, waste handlers, and the broader community.

If you have questions about disposal procedures, contact SafeWork in your state or territory, or speak with your local council's environmental health team. For product-specific refund enquiries, contact the retailer where you purchased the sand.

Order Surepak asbestos disposal bags for safe, compliant disposal of recalled play sand products.