Province moving forward with new approach for used tire recycling program

Demonstrating government�s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and successful used tire recycling program for the future the Minister of Environment and Conservation, Tom Osborne, and the chair and CEO of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), John Scott, today announced the final phase of government�s new long-term approach for the used tire recycling program in the province.

MMSB has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the establishment of a sustainable business approach for used tire processing and recycling in Newfoundland and Labrador. The RFP is for the processing of the current stockpile of tires at Placentia, Bull Arm and Stephenville, as well as tires that will be generated on an ongoing basis in the province.

MMSB also announced that DD Transport Limited of Mount Pearl has been awarded the tender for establishing permanent infrastructure in the province for the collection of used tires.

Minister Osborne said the RFP is part of government�s new strategic approach for the used tire recycling program in the province. "A few months ago we announced that our approach to the used tire recycling program would see the collection of used tires separated from their processing and recycling, and that MMSB would assume direct responsibility for collections on a permanent basis," said Minister Osborne. "MMSB has recently put in place a new collection system for used tires with the support of DD Transport, and will now turn its attention to securing a �made in Newfoundland and Labrador� business solution for the processing and recycling of the tires."

Mr. Scott said the RFP is structured in a manner that supports a flexible and adaptable business model for tire recycling. "Through this process, the tires collected by MMSB could be made available to a number of potential processors to support multiple products for diversified markets, both locally and externally. A single processor may also be considered if it is demonstrated that a specific business proposal is a viable and sustainable approach over the long term."

He added that the RFP also protects existing tire recyclers in the province by ensuring they continue to have access to a sufficient supply of tires to meet their ongoing business needs.

Mr. Scott also outlined details of the tire collection system that has been put in place by MMSB. "DD Transport has been retained to provide a mobile collection service for all tire retailers in the province, with the exception of Labrador West, Churchill Falls, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the north coast of Labrador which will be serviced through separate contractors to be identified in the very near future," said Mr. Scott. "Once a tire retailer accumulates 30 or more used tires, MMSB�s contractors will promptly pick them up and, through a number of secure transhipments stations throughout the province, transport them to MMSB�s central storage yards in the short term, but ultimately to one or more tire processors who will be selected through the RFP process."

Effective immediately, the general public can drop off their used tires at any tire retail location in the province during normal business hours. Used tires will no longer be accepted at Department of Transportation and Works depots or municipal waste disposal sites.

Mr. Scott noted that MMSB will also be collecting tires from other used tire generators in the province, such as auto salvage yards, on an as-needed basis, but that these facilities are not drop-off locations for the general public or any other party.

Minister Osborne said he is pleased that the used tire recycling program is moving forward in a positive direction. "Upon the withdrawal of the previous contractor from the program in June 2004, I stressed that government remained committed to a provincial tire recycling program and was determined to see it succeed. I have worked closely with MMSB since then to put the program back on track permanently, and I am confident that the results of the RFP process, combined with MMSB�s new collection system, will generate an effective long-term solution to the challenges that have confronted the program over the past several years."
Parties wishing to be considered for the RFP should contact MMSB for the necessary documents at (709) 753-0948. The closing date for receipt of proposals is May 24, 2005.

MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that reports to the Minister of Environment and Conservation. MMSB supports modern waste management practices in the province, with a particular focus on waste diversion, recycling and public education, in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:
   Dave Penney, Communications, MMSB, (709) 753-0993
   Sonia Glover, Communications, Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 03 29                       11:15 a.m.