It�s the time of year again when Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can properly dispose of their household hazardous waste (HHW) in a convenient and environmentally-friendly manner through the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board�s (MMSB) annual collection program.

The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, and Mike Samson, the Interim Chair and CEO of MMSB, are encouraging residents to dig out their HHW and dispose of it through the MMSB�s 2009 collection program. In partnership with municipalities and regional waste management committees, this year�s program will see 18 collection events held in 12 areas of the province.

Minister Johnson said the interest and success of MMSB�s HHW collection program continues to grow each year, adding that last year�s event was the most successful to date with over 120,000 litres of HHW collected and properly disposed.

"Clearly, we all have a responsibility to dispose of this extremely harmful waste in a prudent manner, and MMSB�s program provides residents with a convenient and safe way to do just that," said Minister Johnson. "The high participation in last year�s HHW program shows a growing commitment by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to protect our environment and divert waste from our landfills, helping us achieve our 50 per cent waste diversion goal. Household hazardous waste only makes up a small amount of the total waste generated in our province, but every bit counts."

The HHW collection events will take place over the next few months and are free of charge. The first event is scheduled for Marystown on April 25 for residents on the Burin Peninsula. Other areas of the province where HHW collections will be held include Bay Roberts, Conception Bay South, Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Portugal Cove-St. Phillips, Stephenville and Torbay. St. John�s and Labrador City/Wabush hold their own HHW collection events. In addition, the Green Bay Waste Management Authority operates a permanent HHW collection depot for the region in which it operates.

Mike Samson said the HHW program, which is funded from the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund, provides a valuable recycling service to residents of the province and allows MMSB to partner with municipalities in managing our waste and creating a greener environment.

"Working with our municipal partners in different areas of the province has resulted in meaningful volumes of household hazardous waste being diverted and recycled in a cost-effective manner," said Mr. Samson. "We are pleased with the success of the partnerships formed in the past and those working with MMSB in this year�s program. Indeed, we are looking forward to another successful program."

Mr. Samson added that the MMSB is also pleased to be piloting new delivery models for HHW collection, which he expects to be finalized within a few weeks.

Besides providing a convenient and environmentally-friendly way for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste, MMSB�s HHW program also aims to raise public awareness about the dangers associated with such waste if not managed and disposed of properly.

MMSB has delivered the HHW program since 1998 with funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund. To date, more than 743,000 litres of HHW, ranging from pesticides to lead paint, have been diverted from our province�s waste disposal sites. In Newfoundland and Labrador, each individual generates approximately seven litres of HHW annually.

Specific dates and locations for this year�s HHW collection events will be advertised locally. A complete schedule of events and a detailed list of materials accepted through the program are also available on MMSB�s website at www.mmsb.nl.ca

MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that reports to the Minister of Environment and Conservation. Its mandate is to support progressive 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.

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