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Environment and Conservation
September 5, 2012

The following is being distributed at the request of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board:

Residential Fall Used Tire Collection Pilot Program Launched

Is your shed, basement or garage full of old tires? If so, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) is providing an opportunity to dispose of tires throughout the month of September. In partnership with select municipalities and retailers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, the MMSB will host 12 used tire drop-off events and five curbside collection days.

“The Used Tire Recycling Program provides the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador with a safe and convenient way to properly dispose of used tires,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation and the Minister Responsible for the MMSB. “We all have a responsibility to reduce, reuse and recycle as a means of protecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s environment for future generations. I encourage everyone to do their part by properly disposing of used tires through one of MMSB’s drop-off days or curbside collection events.”

Along with providing a means to dispose of old tires, the residential used tire collection program pilot will provide the MMSB with valuable insight into the amount of tires that are stored in people’s homes. Such information will help guide future improvements to the Used Tire Recycling Program.

“The MMSB is always looking for new ways to expand and improve its existing waste diversion and recycling programs in an effort to make them more accessible and convenient for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Leigh Puddester, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, MMSB. “This pilot program not only represents an opportunity to improve the accessibility of tire recycling, but it also allows us to collect tires we, otherwise might not, capture from households.”

The tire drop-off days and curbside events are taking place throughout the month of September and are free of charge. Highway tires including passenger, light truck, commercial truck and motorcycle tires are all accepted through the program, as long as they are off the rims. ATV, dirt bike tires and farm, industrial and construction tires are not accepted.

In addition to the pilot program, residents can leave their used tires, at no cost, with a tire retailer upon the purchase of new tires, or they can be returned to a tire retailer at a later date in manageable quantities during the retailer's normal business hours. Used tires must be in whole form, free of mud or debris, and must have their rims removed prior to being returned to a tire retailer.

In 2011, the MMSB collected and diverted close to 400,000 used tires from waste disposal sites throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, bringing the total number of tires diverted from landfills to just over 3.3 million since the program began in 2002.

Specific dates and locations for the drop-off collection events and curbside pick-up days will be advertised locally. A complete schedule of events and a detailed list of materials accepted through the program are also available on the MMSB’s website at www.mmsb.nl.ca. Link opens in a new window.

The MMSB is a Crown agency of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. It supports modern waste management practices in the province with a particular focus on waste diversion and recycling in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contacts:

Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
Cara Pike
Director of Communications
MMSB
709-757-3696, 689-4795
cpike@mmsb.nl.ca

2012 09 05                                              11:30 a.m.

 
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