Schools win computer through its recycling efforts

Environment Minister Bob Mercer and Gordon Seabright, chairman of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), announced today two more schools in the province will receive a new computer as a result of their recycling efforts. G. C. Rowe Junior High in Corner Brook and Exploits Valley High School - Maple Division in Grand Falls-Windsor are the latest winners in the annual school recycling contest sponsored by the MMSB.

Valued at $1,500, this is the last of 10 computers MMSB will award this school year through random draws from among the 300 schools participating in the province-wide recycling contest.

"This contest is a great way to promote recycling among our students and, at the same time, allow them to have the opportunity to get an additional resource for their schools," said Minister Mercer. "I am pleased that schools in Newfoundland and Labrador are taking action to do their part to protect the environment. I commend the students and the leadership shown by their parents, teachers and school administrators in supporting recycling efforts in this province."

This is the fifth year MMSB has been running the school recycling contest which is designed to encourage recycling within all provincial schools. Since the start of the contest in January 1999, MMSB has awarded 48 computers to participating schools, in addition to tens of thousands of recycling prizes.

"This is definitely a community effort for the environment and the schools. It is great to see schools rewarded for the effort they put into their recycling programs," said Mr. Seabright. "I am pleased to award these new computers to these schools for their recycling efforts."

Launched on September 1, 2002, this year�s contest will continue until June 30, 2003, and will also see schools doubling their refund on all beverage containers recycled. To assist them in their recycling efforts, every school registered in the contest has been supplied with recycling bins and bags, a recycling video, and educational and promotional materials.

The school recycling contest is a part of the province�s Beverage Recycling Program which is administered by MMSB, a Crown agency established by the Department of Environment to develop, implement, and manage a variety of waste diversion programs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

2003 05 14                                        2:20 p.m.