The province’s Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) must take a more proactive role in reducing waste sent to dump sites in our province, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones. The issue was brought forward earlier today in the House of Assembly.

Jones noted that towns in the province are paying more to dispose of their garbage due to increased shipping costs to regional waste management sites and increased tipping fees. She feels the MMSB has more of a role to play in reducing the amount of waste that is disposed of at dump sites.

“The MMSB currently has millions of dollars in their trust fund bank account and this money should be used to administer recycling programs,” said Ms. Jones. “We have seen the glossy advertising campaigns educating people on recycling, but we have not seen any new programs established. A campaign on recycling is not substitute for actual recycling programs.

“The City of St. John’s recently cancelled their curbside recycling pilot project due to a lack of funds. This and similar programs would help divert waste from the dump and achieve the reduction targets set forth in their expensive advertising campaigns. It doesn’t make sense to spend money on encouraging people to reduce waste without providing the programs to make it happen.”

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