Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to think about the environment when they clean out their basements and sheds this spring and get rid of their household hazardous waste (HHW). Today, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) announced details of its 2010 collection program that will give residents from several communities around the province the opportunity to dispose of their HHW in a convenient and environmentally friendly manner.

"People want to protect the environment and we are seeing more and more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians taking a responsible approach and disposing of this extremely harmful waste in a safe and convenient manner," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "The high participation in last year's Household Hazardous Waste Program is evidence that there is a growing commitment in our province to protect our environment and divert waste from our landfills — helping us get closer to achieving our 50 per cent waste diversion goal."

The collection program has grown each year since its inception, with last year's event the most successful to date with more than 130,000 litres of HHW collected and disposed of in a proper manner. This year, the MMSB is partnering with 10 municipalities throughout the province to conduct 10 collection events. The first event will take place on May 1 in Marystown.

"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 Leigh Puddester, Chair and CEO of the MMSB. "We are pleased with the success of the partnerships formed in the past, as well as those working with MMSB in this year's program. Indeed, we are looking forward to another successful year."

HHW collection events will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are free of charge:
     May 1      Marystown - Marystown Municipal Depot on McGettigan Boulevard
     May 2      Bay Roberts - Ascension Collegiate
     May 15    Corner Brook - Pepsi Civic Centre
     May 29    Grand Falls-Windsor - Centennial Field
     May 30    Gander - Elizabeth Drive Shopping Centre
     June 12    Carbonear/Harbour Grace - Conception Bay Community Centre,
                    Water Street, Carbonear
     June 13    Clarenville - CN Railway Station, Marine Drive　
     Sept. 11   Happy Valley-Goose Bay - E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena
     Sept. 18   Stephenville - Ramp Section of Carolina Avenue
     Oct. 16    Grand Falls-Windsor - Centennial Field
     Oct. 17    Gander - Elizabeth Drive Shopping Centre

For a complete list of items than can be accepted at the collection events, visit www.mmsb.nl.ca

The 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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