Environment and Conservation
September 10, 2014
Supporting Responsible Waste Management
Provincial Government Provides Update on Waste Management Strategy
The Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy is the largest regionalization project in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, with its goal to modernize waste management in the province by 2020. Today, the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, provided an update on the ongoing implementation of the strategy.
“The development of effective and efficient waste management programs is important for the people of the province. Through an investment of approximately $158 million, and collaboration between my department, the Departments of Environment and Conservation and Service NL and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, we are moving forward on successful implementation of the strategy. We are confident that when complete, we will have an affordable, sustainable and environmentally-conscious waste management system for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
There have been a number of significant accomplishments reached as part of the implementation of modern waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Approximately two-thirds of the province’s population is disposing of waste in one of two lined landfills with leachate collection and almost 50 per cent of the population has access to recycling facilities;
- All tee-pee incinerators identified in the strategy are now closed, and 72 per cent of open burning activity has been eliminated;
- The waste diversion rate has increased from seven per cent in 1992 to 28 per cent in 2012; and
- To date 148 dumpsites have been closed representing a 63 per cent reduction in the number of disposal sites relative to 2002 which is significant progress towards the strategy’s goal of 80 per cent dump closure by 2020.
As part of informing the public of progress on the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy, the Provincial Government has posted a 2013-14 report of activities at: //miga.gov.nl.ca/waste_management/WM_Report.pdf.
“We are pleased with the progress that has been made in increasing Newfoundland and Labrador’s waste diversion rate from seven per cent in 1992 to 28 per cent in 2012. With full implementation of the strategy, that includes a province-wide organic waste management plan, we will be well positioned to achieve our 50 per cent diversion goal.”
- Mike Samson, CEO, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
Dillon Consulting was engaged in the spring of 2013 to prepare a report on potential solutions for organics/composting for the province. The report, available online at //miga.gov.nl.ca/waste_management/Organic_Waste_Report.pdf will be used in the development of a provincial composting plan.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is providing an update on waste management through the release of the 2013-14 report of activities, and the Dillon Consulting composting report.
- Approximately $158 million has been invested in the strategy as of March 31, 2014.
- The waste diversion rate in Newfoundland and Labrador has increased from 7 per cent in 1992 to 28 per cent in 2012.
- The Provincial Government has posted the 2013-14 report of activities at: //miga.gov.nl.ca/waste_management/WM_Report.pdf.
- The Dillon Consulting composting report is available at: //miga.gov.nl.ca/waste_management/Organic_Waste_Report.pdf.
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Media contacts:
|
Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
Jill Thomas Myrick Director Marketing, Public Education and Communications Multi-Materials Stewardship Board 709-757-3696 jmyrick@mmsb.nl.ca |
2014 09 10 12:55 p.m.