The Channel-Port aux Basques area has a permanent household hazardous waste (HHW) collection depot thanks to a $20,000 investment by MMSB. The depot was officially opened today by MMSB Interim Chair and CEO Mike Samson and Channel-Port aux Basques Mayor Brian Button during a ribbon cutting ceremony in Port aux Basques. It is the second permanent depot to open in the province. The first permanent depot was opened in St. Anthony in July.

The depot for the Channel-Port aux Basques area will serve residents of Channel-Port aux Basques, Cape Ray, Fox Roost-Margaree, Isle aux Morts and Burnt Islands. Residents can drop off their HHW materials free-of-charge on Monday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Environment and Conservation Minister, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, congratulated MMSB and the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques on the opening of the depot.

"MMSB�s HHW program is an important initiative that will benefit our environment and the province as a whole," said Minister Johnson. "It is wonderful to have the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques join in the program, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility. Indeed, such programs play an important role in moving our waste management strategy forward and achieving a modern waste management system for the province."

Mr. Samson said working with communities like Channel-Port aux Basques demonstrates the progress that MMSB is making in its efforts to develop progressive and cost-effective programs that protect the environment and facilitate the implementation of the province�s waste management strategy.

MMSB established the HHW pilot depot program in light of the success of its annual HHW collection program, which provides residents of Newfoundland and Labrador with a free drop-off service twice a year. The pilot program aims to determine the feasibility and cost effectiveness of permanent HHW depots around the province allowing residents to avail of the service year round.

Funding for MMSB�s HHW pilot program comes from its Waste Management Trust Fund and is used to help offset costs for the infrastructure, equipment and training required to establish an HHW depot. MMSB is currently working with other municipalities throughout the province to establish three additional HHW collection depots under the HHW program. MMSB will announce the other depots as they continue to come on board.

"We are very pleased to now have two permanent household hazardous waste collection depots open under the HHW pilot program," said Mr. Samson. "The funding we are providing is a strategic investment that will help achieve real change in the way we dispose of and manage our waste. I commend the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques for its environmental enthusiasm and encourage residents to avail of the service and do their part to make our province greener."

"The Town of Channel-Port aux Basques thanks the MMSB for its $20,000 investment and for helping us to become part of this positive environmental initiative," said Mayor Button. "We understand the need and importance of diverting harmful waste from our landfills. We are excited that we can now provide area residents with a household hazardous waste collection service on a permanent basis."

The types of waste that will be collected through the program includes all sorts of household cleaners, oil-based paints, paint thinners, fertilizers, car batteries, medications, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Items that are not accepted at the depot include ammunition, explosives, biomedical wastes, commercial wastes and fireworks.

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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