Inert wastes are materials like clay, soil, rock, concrete and bricks. Some landfills collect green waste that is composted on site for resale. Transfer stations are located at some landfill sites but away from the dangers of the tipface. The transfer station allows the public to drop off their waste in a safe environment. At the transfer station general rubbish is put on a tray, bin or concrete trough from where it is taken to the tip face by waste management staff.
Hazardous wastes pose a risk to humans, animals and the environment.
Examples include material that might be radioactive, explosive, flammable, infectious or toxic to all or parts of the environment. Hazardous wastes are things like unused agricultural chemicals, solvents and cleaning fluids, medical waste and many industrial wastes. Hazardous waste may be stored, treated within New Zealand, exported overseas for destruction, landfilled or accepted at wastewater treatment plants. Managing waste disposal in New Zealand is largely the responsibility of local authorities. Generally they manage landfills, refuse collection, sewerage and stormwater systems, and air pollution discharges.