Safe Disposal of Old Hiveware

Protect your bees. Protect your community.

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Old or used hiveware can be a hidden source of American Foulbrood (AFB) spores, which can survive for decades and spread disease to healthy hives. The Auckland Beekeepers Club encourages all beekeepers to dispose of old, broken or unwanted hiveware responsibly.

Why Safe Disposal Matters

  • AFB spores are extremely persistent. Even cleaned or wax-moth-eaten frames may still be contagious.

  • Visual inspection isn’t enough. You cannot reliably tell if hiveware is infected just by looking at it.

  • Legal obligations exist. Any equipment associated with a confirmed AFB case must be destroyed within seven days and cannot be sold, gifted, or transferred.

  • Protect your neighbours. Infected hiveware can easily spread disease if mishandled.

Collection & Disposal Events

The Club runs Used Hiveware Collections to safely dispose of old hiveware.

Details:

  • Cost: $5 per brood box or bin bag.

  • Volunteers (especially those with utes/trailers) are welcome.

  • Contact the Club in advance if you have a large quantity.

  • These events allow hiveware to be safely burned in compliance with biosecurity standards.

On the day:

  • Put in rubbish bags or packing wrap to ensure that it is bee-proof

  • $5 per bag, box or equivalent; cash only

  • Only pass to a collector between 9am & 11am on Sunday 9th November at the collection points

  • No dumping

  • Pleaser note: There is not a collection point at the beeclub

  • Email or call for any further questions

Next collection date:

Sunday November 9th, 2025 9am - 11am

Collection points:

Westgate: 28 Northside Drive, drive down past Mitre10 go over the lights to the dead end

Mairangi Bay: Windsor Park carpark, western side opposite church

Western Springs: opposite MOTAT, the carpark next to Caltex

Meadowbank: 98 Abbotts Way, car park for Waiatarua

Manukau: 19 Boundary Road, Clover Park, carpark between tennis club and greyhound track

Advice from Ken Brown, ABC President

“Transferring used hiveware is a point of dispute among beekeepers. If hiveware has been associated with AFB, it must be destroyed. Even if you don’t see symptoms, it may still be infectious. As beekeepers, we have a responsibility to prevent dodgy hiveware from entering apiaries. Safe disposal protects not only your bees but all nearby operations.”

  • Always inspect hiveware before considering reuse.

  • If in doubt, do not buy or use old hiveware; report suspicious equipment to authorities.

  • Educate others in a supportive way—misinformation or a casual ‘she’ll be right’ attitude can spread disease.

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