Waste Reduction Week an opportunity to discuss the future of waste management in Newfoundland & Labrador

For Immediate Release
October 22, 2014

ST. JOHN’S, NL – October 20-26, 2014 is ‘Waste Reduction Week’ in Canada, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) says it is an opportune time to discuss the future of waste management in the province.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has made significant progress in reducing the amount of waste sent to its landfills in a relatively short period of time,” says Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director.

“We commend the government and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) for making the investments and creating the programs necessary to achieve over 20 percent waste reduction over the past 20 years,” Lomond says. The province’s waste diversion rate has increased from 7 percent in 1992 to 28 percent in 2012.

But Lomond notes there is hard work ahead to achieve the province’s objective of 50 percent waste diversion. “Organic material represents up to 30% of what Newfoundland and Labradorians are putting in their garbage bags,” notes Lomond. “Without addressing that waste stream, 50 percent is not possible.”

A comprehensive report on potential solutions for organics/composting in Newfoundland and Labrador was commissioned in 2013 and delivered to the government this past summer. “Waste Reduction Week is an ideal time to discuss the opportunities this report identifies, and what the future of waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador might look like.”

In the meantime, Lomond says there are many things that Newfoundland and Labradorians can do at work and at school to do their part in reducing waste. “60% of our waste is produced at work or at school,” he said. “Simple changes in our daily routines can help significantly reduce the amount of waste going to our landfills.”

As the provincial partner of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the MMSB has made available waste reduction toolkits for businesses, schools, and communities. Kits can be downloaded at http://www.mmsb.nl.ca/3r-education/waste-reduction-week/.

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization offers a diverse range of expert knowledge and support services for members working to grow economic opportunity while respecting the natural environment. NEIA is The Business of the Environment, and has over 170 members.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
709.237.8190
kieran@neia.org