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

Multi-Materials Stewardship Board - Industry Leaders Take the Stage at Organic Waste Management Conference

Today, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), welcomed more than 150 delegates, including 25 experts and innovators from across North America, to Earth Bound 2013 – Organic Waste Management Conference.

“Earth Bound 2013 is an important and timely forum for businesses, municipalities and environmental stewards to engage in discussions and explore sustainable solutions to manage organic waste,” said Minister Hedderson. “Our government is committed to helping identify viable options to divert organic waste from our landfills as we continue to advance the implementation of a modern waste management system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Hosted by the MMSB, at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s, the two-day conference is bringing together organic waste producers and managers, municipal and provincial governments, businesses, industry leaders and environmental organizations from across the province to foster relationships and share best practices on organic waste management.

“Every day, more than 300 tonnes of organic waste goes to the province’s landfills and when buried, produces methane, a greenhouse gas that has 25 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide,” said Mike Samson, CEO of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board. “As host of Earth Bound 2013, the MMSB is committed to educating and motivating delegates about the potential of organic waste management through a comprehensive line-up of presenters with extensive experience developing and implementing a range of organic waste management initiatives.”

The Earth Bound 2013 agenda features industry experts from across North America who will share proven strategies and best practices on a range of topics – from municipal composting technologies to industrial and commercial innovations. To learn more about Earth Bound 2013, visit www.earthbound2013.com

The MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that reports to the Minister of 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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2013 09 26                                     9:30 a.m.