Too Good to Waste! is the theme of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, being celebrated October 16 - 22. Waste Reduction Week is a national initiative which aims to inform and engage Canadians about wasteful practices and their environmental and social ramifications. The Department of Environment and Conservation and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in activities that reduce the amount of waste that is produced at home, work, and school towards a goal of waste-free living.

Each year in Newfoundland and Labrador 480,000 tonnes of garbage end up in our local dumps. That�s approximately two kilograms per person per day. That�s far too much to ignore. Waste Reduction Week serves as a reminder to reduce the amount of waste generated in the province. Conserving resources and limiting the need to reuse or recycle can be achieved by reducing the amount of waste produced in the first instance.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to reducing the amount of waste generated in our province through progressive new waste management practices," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "In recent years we have launched a number of new initiatives to reduce the amount of waste going to our landfills by 50 per cent, including a major province-wide campaign on backyard composting and cardboard and paper recycling programs. Continued efforts are critical as a means of protecting our environment for present and future generations."

"Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians already recycle but MMSB is encouraging everyone to think about the broader picture - waste reduction. We encourage residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to consider what they are throwing away and what positive changes they can make to their daily routine to reduce waste. Through the collective dedication of individuals, municipalities, businesses and organizations who realize the importance of protecting the environment, our waste management goals can be achieved," said John Scott, Chair and CEO of MMSB.

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.