Recycling waste products is a way for all of us to help reduce the impact we have on the environment. It means we use fewer natural resources, use less energy to make new products, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money.
Under the Waste Reduction and Recovery Act, government can develop programs to recover and recycle products and materials rather than put them into landfill.
In November 2005 we implemented the Northwest Territories’ first Territorial-wide waste recovery program: the Beverage Container Program. This highly-successful program continues to enjoy a high level of public support throughout the Northwest Territories.
Last year we completed research on the recovery and recycling of other waste materials. A discussion paper on expanding the types of waste we recover and recycle was widely distributed this past January. The document contains background information and an analysis of seven waste types commonly generated in the Northwest Territories, including electronics, tires, lead acid batteries, fuel drums, plastic grocery bags, milk containers, paper and cardboard.
Mr. Speaker, it is unrealistic to think we can expand the program to recover all these waste products. However, these public consultations will help us determine residents’ priority areas. Following our consultation we will prepare recommendations for program expansion. I will have these recommendations completed by spring 2008.
As seen in the Beverage Container Program, waste reduction and recycling is very important to the people of the Northwest Territories. Expanding this program will not only help reduce the amount of material disposed of in local landfills but will also improve the quality of our environment. I encourage residents, communities, municipalities, industry and organizations to provide their input on expanding this program.
