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

Household Hazardous Waste Program Targeting Rural Communities

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are committed to protecting the environment by properly disposing of their household hazardous waste. In 2012, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) collected more than 46,500 litres of household hazardous waste through one-day community collection events and through partnerships with volunteer fire departments in smaller communities across the province. The Household Hazardous Waste program provides a valuable recycling service to residents of the province, ensuring that this waste stream stays out of landfills and protects the environment.

"On average, every Newfoundlander and Labradorian generates seven litres of household hazardous waste every year," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board. "While this may not appear to be a significant amount, it only takes a few drops of hazardous waste to contaminate our water supplies and therefore proper disposal of such waste through the MMSB’s collection program gives residents a safe, convenient and environmentally friendly means to dispose of these materials."

Over the last two years, the MMSB has embarked on a pilot project in partnership with volunteer fire departments, offering half-day collection events in communities that do not have access to Household Hazardous Waste disposal site. The participating volunteer fire departments were responsible for collecting and storing materials from residents and, in turn, the MMSB provided a financial honorarium that these fire departments could use to support the very important work they undertake in their communities.

“Due to the success of the partnership with the local fire departments, in 2013 we are planning to extend the offer of this type of service to even more communities,” said Leigh Puddester, Chair and CEO, MMSB. “We are looking forward to once again working with communities to help keep this toxic waste stream out of our landfills.”

Since the MMSB initiated this program in 1998, approximately 1.15 million litres of Household Hazardous Waste have been diverted from waste disposal sites throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The MMSB is a Crown agency that reports to the Minister of the Environment and Conservation. The MMSB supports modern 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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2012 12 28                             3:15 p.m.