Household Hazardous Waste Program Reports Record High Results

The materials collected through the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program increased by 119 per cent in the last 24 months, with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians safely disposing of 350,698 litres of hazardous waste from their households. This represents a record high for the program since its introduction by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) in 1998.

“Results like these are a true testament to the fact that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are dedicated to doing their part to help protect our environment,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “A fundamental goal of modern waste management is to ensure that waste disposal minimizes environmental impacts, and to raise awareness that household hazardous waste poses serious health and environmental risks if not disposed of properly.”

Leigh Puddester, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the MMSB, said he is delighted with the results, which the MMSB believes can be attributed to three key factors.

“First, we have seen an overall shift in attitude, with environmental issues now topping the list of concerns for governments, organizations and individuals alike,” said Mr. Puddester. “Secondly, we’ve seen an expansion in infrastructure with the establishment of permanent HHW facilities at Robin Hood Bay, Channel-Port aux Basques and St. Anthony, making it more convenient for residents to properly dispose of such waste. Finally, we’ve added new promotional campaign elements in an effort to increase awareness and participation in all MMSB collection events.”

The most common HHW materials disposed of by residents over the past 24 months were paint, oil, propane tanks, flammable liquids, such as paint thinners and antifreeze, and batteries.

“We will continue to see improvements in waste diversion activities, as our province begins to experience the benefits of a modern waste management system,” said Ken Kelly, Chair of the Eastern Waste Management Committee. “With the establishment of the permanent household hazardous waste facility at Robin Hood Bay, residents on the Avalon Peninsula are disposing of more of this type of waste because the opportunity is now available to a growing number of communities in the region on a regular and convenient basis.”

The MMSB will continue to partner with municipalities throughout the province in 2011, in order to offer HHW collection events where permanent facilities are not yet available.

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

The MMSB is a Crown agency of the Government of Newfoundland 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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2011 02 03                                                                          11:05 a.m.