The following is being distributed at the request of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board: 

MMSB announces increase in recovery rate for beverage containers

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians recycled over 18 million more beverage containers in 2001. According to figures released today by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), the recovery rate for beverage containers increased almost 10 per cent in 2001 compared to 2000. From January to December, 103,687,221 beverage containers were recycled in the province, compared to 85,374,037 during the same 12-month period in 2000. At the end of this past year, the recovery rate for beverage containers was approximately 60 per cent.

"MMSB is very pleased with the accomplishments of the beverage recycling program over this past year, and we anticipate continued success in the coming year," said Gordon Seabright, MMSB chairman. "In order to maintain this momentum, MMSB will continue to provide recycling information and launch new recycling programs to assist residents, businesses, schools, fund-raising groups, and Green Depots in their recycling efforts for beverage containers." 

One such program is the Green Homes Program, which will be launched during the MMSB's Anniversary Celebrations to take place at all Green Depots from January 28 - February 2. The purpose of this program, which is aimed specifically at households, is to inform individuals about how and what to recycle, and to encourage them to promote their home as a Green Home. During this launch, depot operators will provide their customers with recycling information and all recyclers can enter to win a reusable recycling bag for their home.

The province's beverage container recycling program is administered by MMSB, a Crown agency established by the Department of Environment to develop, implement and, where appropriate, manage a variety of waste diversion programs in Newfoundland and Labrador. MMSB is currently responsible for the beverage container recycling program and the administration of the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund.

Media contact: Karen O'Neill, MMSB, (709) 753-0949.

2002 01 08                          11:55 a.m.