Safe disposal and health information for consumers with recalled sand products

Updated: 20 March 2026

A range of decorative and coloured sand products for children has been recalled as they may include asbestos.

The ACCC continues to work with health and safety, and other relevant agencies at the state, territory and Commonwealth levels, including those with expertise in asbestos as this issue evolves.

Based on expert advice, we understand there is a very low risk to human health from these products.

Disposal advice

The ACCC refers to the following safe disposal advice for consumers with affected products from the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.

• Stop using any identified sand products immediately.
• If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location.
• Clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask (preferably P2). Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths. Store in a secure location.
• Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
• You should dispose of it at an authorised disposal facility. To find a facility in your area, you can search for Disposal facilities. Please also contact the facility before you go there to check their disposal requirements. It is also important to refer to your state or territory government information and requirements – see links below.
• If you are uncertain or need further advice on how to manage and dispose the sand product, please contact an asbestos professional.

Visit your relevant state or territory website for more information about asbestos management in your local area:

• NSW: www.nsw.gov.au
• QLD: asbestos.qld.gov.au
• VIC: asbestos.vic.gov.au
• WA: wa.gov.au
• TAS: worksafe.tas.gov.au
• SA: safework.sa.gov.au
• NT: worksafe.nt.gov.au
• ACT: worksafe.act.gov.au

For advice regarding work health and safety requirements at your place of work, please contact your WHS regulator.

You can contact the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency at enquiries@asbestossafety.gov.au 

Please direct media enquiries for the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency to communications@asbestossafety.gov.au 

Reimbursement of handling and disposal costs

Consumers are entitled to remedies when products do not comply with consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. This may include compensation for costs a consumer incurs because of a problem with a product.

We expect suppliers will reimburse consumers for the costs they reasonably incur for the safe handling, disposal and clean-up of decorative and coloured sand products containing asbestos.

Some states and territories are permitting recalled decorative and coloured sand products to be:

• returned to relevant stores
• placed double bagged in kerbside domestic bins
• disposed of at disposal facilities at no or low cost for domestic quantities.

To find out if these apply to you, visit your relevant state or territory website.

Affected consumers can contact the recalling supplier to seek reimbursement of costs reasonably incurred for:

• safe handling
• disposal, where your state or territory doesn’t permit these disposal options
• clean-up of the recalled products.

You should provide receipts as proof of these costs.

Learn more about consumer guarantees and claiming compensation. If you’re having difficulty seeking reimbursement from the supplier, you can contact your local state or territory consumer protection agency for help. They can provide you with information about your rights and options and may help negotiate a resolution between you and the supplier.

The ACCC does not resolve individual disputes between consumers and businesses. You can also seek independent legal advice on your rights under the Australian Consumer Law and what reimbursement from the supplier you may be entitled to.

Find out more about where to go for consumer help.

Health information

The Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) has issued the following updated health information in relation to these products.

• Health effects from asbestos generally occur many years after long-term inhalation of very small fibres.
• Testing to date indicates that there is a very low risk to human health from these products.
• enHealth is aware that tests undertaken independently by private individuals or organisations may show presence of asbestos in trace amounts - they present a very low risk to human health.
• Based on the currently available information we do not recommend any clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with this product.

The Environmental Health Standing Committee advises the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) on environmental health policy. It brings together expertise from Australian, state and territory health departments and research councils, and their New Zealand counterparts. 

enHealth continues to monitor emerging results and will provide additional updates as required.

Updates

Please note that this webpage may be updated as further information and advice is received from other authorities.  

The ACCC continues to engage with suppliers. We expect all suppliers to provide appropriate support to consumers including responding to queries, and providing advice about arranging a refund.