The following statement was issued today by Bob Mercer, Minister of Environment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Used Oil Control Regulations

I rise today to remind the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that effective tomorrow, April 1, 2003, used oil will be banned from landfill sites. The new Used Oil Control Regulations will enable government and industry to effectively manage all waste oil products, ban unacceptable disposal methods for used oil, control the storage of used oil and provide for the proper return of used oil and lubricants.

These regulations represent the first set of regulations developed as government moves forward with the implementation of its Waste Management Strategy. This strategy includes disposal bans and waste diversion programs and the Used Oil Control Regulations are an important element of government�s action plan to have province-wide modern waste management by 2010.

It is estimated that approximately nine million litres of lubricating oil is sold annually in this province. Approximately five million litres is available for collection, recycling and reuse. Currently, approximately 80 per cent of the used oil generated in the province is already being collected by several local companies for recycling and reuse. These regulations will see all the used oil generated in the province diverted from the environment and made available for recycling and reuse.

In the development of the Used Oil Control Regulations, we consulted with industry associations and the collectors of used oil and handlers of bulk storage in this province. It was evident that there was much support for these regulations which not only reduce pollution but encourage business opportunities in the collection, processing, recycling and reuse of used oil.

I am also pleased to state that there will be no levy on the sale of oil and that consumers can return used oil to the place of purchase, free of charge.

An awareness campaign for vendors of lubricating oil and the general public is currently being spearheaded by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board. As well, the Department of Government Services and Lands has hired two inspectors to enforce the Used Oil Control Regulations and the Government Services Centres throughout the province can also provide information on these regulations.

This is one of several first steps on the implementation of our Waste Management Strategy. While we recognize that much work needs to be done, this new waste diversion program is a clear indication that we are making progress and will continue to do so over the months and years ahead.

2003 03 31                                       1:55 p.m.