News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny:

I encourage New Brunswickers to pledge to reduce, reuse and recycle during Waste Reduction Week, taking place Oct. 19-25 throughout Canada.

The week was developed in 2001 by a coalition of 13 recycling councils and related organizations and is observed each October across the country. The goal is to inform Canadians about the environmental and social ramifications of wasteful practices.

Events being held throughout the province this week can serve as a helpful reminder to us all that we must continue to reduce waste. Every individual, business, organization and all levels of government have a role to play and can make a difference.

Our government is committed to protecting our air, water and environment. We continue to work with partners to effectively manage our waste. Twelve regional service commissions manage solid waste and offer many waste diversion programs such as curbside recycling, household hazardous waste collection events and organics programs. Recycle NB administers Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives to recycle paint, oil and glycol, and manages the Used Tire Stewardship Program diverting these designated materials from our landfills. Our new partnership with Call2Recycle and the Canadian Battery Association is helping keep household batteries and lead acid batteries out of landfills. The provincial government is also working on a new electronic waste program.

Recycling helps protect our environment and it also creates jobs which in turn improves our economy. Recycling is a win-win for everyone.

When it comes to waste reduction, the Environmental Trust Fund is helping to change behaviours and habits. This year many of the grassroots projects that received funding have a focus on education and reducing waste through such initiatives as school composting programs, curbside recycling, and youth programs that help reduce waste at the source.

These are just a few examples of the progress we are making. Our successes are thanks to the actions of many New Brunswickers. More information on what you can do to reduce waste is available online.

I encourage everyone to do their part to incorporate more environmentally-friendly practices into their daily lives as together we move New Brunswick forward.