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

Town of Bonavista receives Waste Management Trust Fund grant

Environment Minister Bob Mercer and Gordon Seabright, chair of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), are pleased to announce the Town of Bonavista will receive $500 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund.

The Town of Bonavista, with support from volunteers from the community, will conduct its annual spring clean-up of their town. Volunteers from various youth and community groups, and residents will participate in cleaning up the roadsides, open areas, and public places.

"I commend all those who will be participating in this clean-up," said Minister Mercer. "These annual community clean-ups are positive signs that people are taking ownership of their communities and are stewards of their environment."

Since the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund was established in 1999, government has approved 284 applications and approximately $8 million in contributions. This funding has been disbursed to 300 schools, more than 160 municipalities, 45 environmental and community groups, and several businesses, school districts, and waste management authorities.

"This is a worthwhile project addressing an annual problem of litter and garbage for the Town of Bonavista," said Mr. Seabright. "It is a community-based clean up effort with volunteers from several community groups and schools involved."

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 the public education and awareness of 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 05 15                                        4:00 p.m.