June 8, 2011
Province Announces Programs to Make it Easier for Manitobans to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
– – –Consumers Can Now Return Common Products to Depots, Parti
Manitobans and the environment will benefit from six new household hazardous waste (HHW) programs developed through partnerships between the province and stewardship groups, Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie announced today in recognition of Canadian Environment Week.
“Working together we can keep more hazardous waste out of landfills,” said Blaikie. “We all have a role to play and by strengthening the management of household hazardous waste, we will continue to move forward on the priorities our government identified in the Green and Growing Strategy.”
The new programs launched today focus on the collection and management of antifreeze, batteries, cell phones, mercury-containing thermostats and expired medications.
“The Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery (MARRC) is excited to add antifreeze and antifreeze containers to its product line of used oil, filters and containers for recycling,” says Ron Benson, executive director of MARRC. “Thanks to the effort of all Manitobans, we have been successful with the used oil program and we look forward to their continued support as we move ahead with the recycling of antifreeze and its containers.”
Used antifreeze will be accepted at any of MARRC’s 79 eco-centres or licensed depots. The product will be filtered and reused.
The battery recycling program Call2Recycle has more than 200 collection sites at retail and other locations throughout Manitoba. The program is now accepting single-use batteries and cell phones as well as rechargeable batteries and will soon expand to other sites including Manitoba crown agencies.
“Call2Recycle is honoured to be involved in managing the household battery program in Manitoba,” said Greg Broe, CFO of Call2Recycle. “We look forward to working with Manitobans to help keep even more batteries out of the landfills.”
Older thermostats contain small amounts of the toxic substance mercury. A new program offered by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) of Canada will keep mercury out of landfills by enabling contractors and residents to return old thermostats to commercial retail locations, Blaikie said, adding there is also a mail-in option for remote locations.
“The Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada is pleased to be working with Manitoba Conservation to remove mercury-containing thermostats from homes and offices through our Switch the ‘Stat program,” stated Warren Heeley, president of HRAI. “Our industry is committed to ensuring that Manitobans have a reliable method to safely recycle these products and help preserve the environment for future generations.”
The six new programs are part of the province’s plan to expand the range of options available to Manitobans to properly dispose of household hazardous waste products.
“I commend the stewardship groups for working with the province to help consumers dispose of household hazardous waste in a convenient, safe and responsible manner,” said Blaikie. “Industry-run recycling programs will provide a high level of convenience for Manitobans by offering return-to-retail and multi-material depots that have longer hours and easily accessible locations.”
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
backgrounder
Program Participants - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2011/06/HHW_BG.C.doc