Tech breakthrough could end NZ’s hazardous medical waste exports

A concept image of Nurox's hydrothermal plant. (Image: Nurox Hydrothermal)

Wed, 27 Aug 2025

Hazardous medical and biological waste will no longer have to be exported to Australia for incineration, after a University of Auckland spinout company struck its first commercial deal.Nurox Hydrothermal has gone into partnership with waste management company Interwaste, part of Tennex Group, to build the first processing plants that can handle hazardous medical waste in New Zealand.The Nurox process breaks down toxic pollutants, including so-called forever chemicals, or PFAS, without producing emissions or further toxic byproducts. In fut...

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