The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB)
announced today new licensing standards for its network
of Green Depots throughout the province that will
strengthen and improve the system and greatly enhance
the public's experience when visiting depots to recycle
their used beverage containers.
The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of
Environment and Conservation, along with Leigh
Puddester, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the MMSB,
officially launched the new licensing standards today
during the opening of a new Green Depot on Bell Island,
the first depot to be fully operational under the new
standards. Joining Minister Johnson and Mr. Puddester
for the launch were Wabana Mayor Gary Gosine and Mary
Noseworthy, owner/operator of the Bell Island Green
Depot.
"I commend the MMSB for implementing these important
and strategic improvements that will benefit everyone
involved." said Minister Johnson. "The enhanced
standards will create a stronger and more efficiently
operated system, as well as improve customer service -
both of which are fundamental for a more successful Used
Beverage Container Recycling Program for the future.
Ultimately, these changes will increase the number of
beverage containers collected through the network of
Green Depots, therefore reducing the amount of waste
going into our landfills and will bring us one step
closer to achieving the 50 percent waste diversion goal
of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy."
Highlights of the new Green Depot Licensing Standards
include: customer service benchmarks that will see
shorter wait times and improved hours of operations; a
new handling fee paid to Green Depot operators that will
better position the Depots as a viable long-term
investment; an infrastructure loan program up to $10,000
to assist with the cost of adhering to the new
standards; extending the reach of green depot services
to better serve rural areas of the province;
professional development workshops for depots; improved
processing and transportation contracts; a fresh new
look for all depots with the addition of new signage;
and a consistent brand and marketing approach for all
depots.
The MMSB is committed to a Green Depot system that
effectively serves the people of the province, while
also being a cost-effective and sustainable business
opportunity for the depot operators.
"MMSB thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the Green
Depot system, from customer service to geographic
coverage and accessibility of the depots to the public,
with a view to making changes that will strengthen the
system and encourage more people to recycle their
beverage containers," said Mr. Puddester. "After looking
at other jurisdictions, reviewing best practices, and
consulting with our depot operators, we are confident
that the new standards we are rolling out such as better
hours of operation, shorter wait times, and a cleaner
environment will result in a quicker, easier and more
rewarding experience for customers. Clearly, the more
pleasant the recycling experience is for Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians, the greater chance for repeat
customers and new customers choosing to do their part to
protect our environment. In addition, the new standards
will also guarantee a more sustainable Green Depot
system for the province. And we are not stopping there -
we will continue to monitor and consult with our network
of depots with the goal of continually improving the
system."
The new standards will also enable the green depots
to be better positioned to participate in new recycling
initiatives for e-waste and used paint, which will be
introduced as the implementation of the Provincial Solid
Waste Management Strategy continues.
"I am thrilled to be the first Green Depot operator
in the province to be up and running under the new
licensing standards," said Ms. Noseworthy. "It is very
fulfilling to be able to provide the residents of Bell
Island with this very important service and to be
working with the MMSB to help protect Newfoundland and
Labrador's environment."
"The Bell Island Green Depot plays an integral role
in reducing the amount of waste that we send to our
landfill," said Mayor Gosine. "I want to commend the
residents of Bell Island for doing their part to recycle
close to 330 used beverage containers each per year, and
I want to encourage them to continue to participate in
this very important activity."
All 39 green depot operators licensed under the MMSB
support the changes and have committed to be fully
operational under the new standards by June 30, 2010.
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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