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Environment and Conservation
Municipal Affairs
March 1, 2011

MMSB Launches New Backyard Composting Initiative

Municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are partnering with the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) to offer backyard compost bins at a reduced rate along with an opportunity for residents to participate in an educational training session on successful backyard composting.

“With emerging modern waste management facilities and practices comes a change to the way we think about waste in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “Our government is committed to helping municipalities take control of their waste management costs. Organic waste constitutes between 30 and 40 per cent of the total residential waste stream and, by reducing the amount of organic waste that goes to the curb, municipalities save money, time and resources.”

“It is encouraging to see municipalities taking steps to reduce organic waste prior to the establishment of regional compost sites,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Through the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy our government is committed to diverting waste destined for our landfills and I commend municipalities participating in this MMSB initiative on their proactive waste reduction efforts.”

The MMSB canvassed all municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to gauge interest in pursuing a partnership whereby MMSB would purchase backyard compost bins on their behalf at a reduced and subsidized rate. In return, participating municipalities agree to order a minimum of 50 compost bins at a unit cost of $21.99 plus HST and, upon completion of a training session, residents can purchase the compost bins directly from the municipality. Of the 282 municipalities contacted, 51 have ordered a total of 4,250 backyard compost bins.

“The MMSB is dedicated to educating, enabling and motivating the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to reduce waste and recycle,” said Leigh Puddester, Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Organic waste, when buried in our landfills without the presence of oxygen, produces a harmful greenhouse gas called methane. Conversely, organic waste, when composted, produces a safe and natural product that can be used as nutrition for gardens and lawns.”

The City of Corner Brook was quick to sign on with an order of 300 compost bins.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to learn about all the benefits of backyard composting and obtain a bin at a much reduced rate,” said Neville Greeley, Mayor of Corner Brook. “We are looking forward to receiving our compost bins in April and being able to save money and resources while, at the same time, protecting the environment.”

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to contact their municipality to inquire as to whether their town is one of the participating partners in the backyard composting program.

This is the second backyard composting initiative spearheaded by the MMSB. A total of 20,000 backyard composters were acquired, distributed and sold throughout the province between 2005 and 2007.

The MMSB is a Crown agency of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 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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Media contacts:

Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
 
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications
MMSB
709-757-3696, 689-4795
ccarter@mmsb.nl.ca 
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca
Rhea Hutchings
Supervisor of Sustainable Development
City of Corner Brook
709-637-1500
rhutchings@cornerbrook.com 

2011 03 01                                                                          10:35 a.m.
 

 
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