Temporary drop-off sites identified for used tire recycling program; program to continue

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment, announced today temporary drop-off sites for used tires in support of the tire recycling program. Government said it will continue with the tire recycling program, and over the next month, will work with the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) to re-evaluate the requirements for temporary storage and transportation of used tires. Today�s announcement follows the withdrawal last week of the company which was awarded the contract for collection, transportation and processing of used tires.

"I am pleased to have the cooperation of my colleague, Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation (WST), to allow for temporary storage of tires at selected provincial Works, Services and Transportation depots throughout the province. There are approximately 50 used tire drop-off locations in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the existing municipal waste disposal sites that are already storing used tires."

The minister said: "A large number of specific WST depots will be available for tire drop-off beginning this Thursday, during regular business hours from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Advertisements providing details of the drop-off sites will be placed in the province�s newspapers in the coming days, and signs will be posted at the Works, Services and Transportation depots participating in this program. There will be a designated area, within the depot, for the storage of used tires. This will ensure that retailers and residents of all areas of the province have a temporary storage site until a new contract for collection, transportation and processing is in place."

"Government intends to continue with the tire recycling program, as it is a key element of our overall Waste Management Strategy released earlier this year. This is sound environmental policy and we must strive to ensure there is a successful tire recycling program in the province," said the minister.

Minister Aylward has directed the MMSB to issue a new Request for Proposals as soon as possible. New proposals must clearly outline the plan for storage and transportation of used tires.

The minister thanked those communities that have provided support to this program and encouraged them to continue as partners in the tire recycling program. He said he looks forward to more communities participating in the future.

Consumers, retailers and other groups with questions on the storage of used tires can call the MMSB at (709) 753-0948 or 1-866-880-8473.

For a map of depot locations click: Depot Map (PDF Format)

Media contact:

Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, Environment, (709) 729-2575
Karen O�Neill, Multi Materials Stewardship Board, (709) 753-0949

Foxtrap
Avondale
St. Joseph�s
Renews
Whitbourne
Bay Roberts
Bellevue
Heart�s Content
Lower Island Cove
Lethbridge
Clarenville
Bishop�s Falls
Grand Falls-Windsor
Goobies
Point Verde - Placentia
Boat Harbour
Salt Pond, Burin
Grand Bank
Pool�s Cove
Tomkins
Steel Mountain
Cold Brook - Stephenville
Wild Cove - Corner Brook
Deer Lake
Glenburnie
Sop�s Arm
Port Saunders
Roddickton
Flower�s Cove
St. Anthony
La Scie
Baie Verte
Northern Arm
Lewisporte
New World Island
Victoria Cove
Lumsden
Eastport
Fogo Island
Port Rexton
L�Anse au Loop
Happy-Valley Goose Bay
Labrador City / Wabush

Norman�s Cove
Gambo
Codroy Valley
South Brook
Hopedale
Port Rexton
Twillingate

2002 05 22                              3:10 p.m.