Corner Brook receives $20,000 grant from Waste Management Trust Fund

Environment Minister Bob Mercer and Gordon Seabright, chairman of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), announced today a $20,000 grant for the Corner Brook Economic Development Corporation from the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund.

Working with the Western Regional Solid Waste Management Committee, the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Corner Brook will implement an education and awareness program to encourage and promote recycling within the western Newfoundland region.

"The goal of this campaign is to educate residents and businesses in the western region about the benefits of recycling and the avenues available to properly dispose of recyclable materials," said Minister Mercer. "I will continue to work with the community to explore options for more viable recycling programs in the Corner Brook area."

Since the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund was established in 1999, government has approved 278 applications and approximately $8 million in contributions. This funding has been disbursed to 300 schools, more than 155 municipalities, 45 environmental and community groups, and several businesses and school districts.

"It is important to educate the public about the importance of recycling and reducing waste," said Seabright. "Through this project, Corner Brook�s Economic Development Corporation, working together with the Western Regional Solid Waste Management Committee, will have a positive impact on the waste disposal habits of the residents in the western region."

MMSB is a Crown agency established by the Department of Environment to develop, implement and manage a variety of waste diversion programs in Newfoundland and Labrador. MMSB is responsible for the Beverage Container and Used Tire Recycling Programs, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, the administration of the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund, and public education and awareness for the Used Oil Recycling Program and the Provincial Waste Management Strategy.

Media contact:
          Karen O�Neill, MMSB, Communications, (709) 753-0949
          Carmel Turpin, Department of Environment, (709) 729-2575

2003 04 11                                       1:40 p.m.