ACTION: Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Public Consultation

 

Manitoba’s blue box, tire and oil recycling programs have diverted millions of kilograms of waste from landfills. To further enhance recycling services in Manitoba, government is requiring industry to be more responsible for the waste they generate and to implement comprehensive programs throughout the province.

Government is reviewing plans which would improve Manitobans’ access to safe and responsible recycling or disposal of products such as old TV’s, paint and batteries. Beginning in April 2011, the proposed programs would support permanent collection systems throughout the province and would replace the current government-funded HHW depots and e-waste roundups. 

Household hazardous waste includes products such as batteries, medications, paint, antifreeze, fluorescent lighting and products containing mercury. Electronic waste includes products such as computers, televisions, video players and home theatre systems. 

These products should not be thrown out with household garbage. To protect our natural resources and environment, they must be properly disposed of or responsibly recycled.

Program features include:

  • more opportunity to safely recycle or dispose of waste materials
  • drop off locations throughout Manitoba
  • increased diversion of toxic materials from landfill hazwaste not in landfill.gif
  • safe recycling done in Canada

Government funding will not be required to support these programs. Operating budgets will come from product manufacturers.

This 28-day public consultation is one of the first steps in establishing the new programs.  All comments will be considered in developing recommendations for the Minister of Conservation, who is responsible for program approval. Government is interested in your feedback related to all areas of the plans including accessibility and convenience, environmental protection, funding sources and financial reporting. (See comment form)

The plans respond to requirements under the Household Hazardous Material and Prescribed Material Stewardship Regulation and the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Stewardship Regulation and accompanying Guidelines for Electrical and Electronic Equipment. (Guidelines for Hazardous or Prescribed Household Material). 

E-mail, phone, write or fax…

The stewardship plans are available online and at Manitoba Conservation’s public registries throughout the province.  All comments will be considered in establishing the programs. You may use the comment form or just email or fax your comments. 

COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED UP TO SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 TO:

Pollution Prevention Branch
Manitoba Conservation
123 Main Street, Suite 160
Winnipeg MB  R3C 1A5

E-Mail: pollupreve@gov.mb.ca
Fax:  (204) 945-1211

For more information visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pollutionprevention/waste/index.html