Canada’s smallest province is once again prepared to take a leadership role in the field of waste management, this time in the area of waste reduction, Premier Pat Binns said as he launched national Waste Reduction Week in Prince Edward Island.
The Premier said waste reduction is rapidly becoming a focus of attention across the country. In fact, a recent national workshop held in Prince Edward Island dealt primarily with the issue of over-packaging and the responsibility we all share – manufacturers, retailers and consumers – to reduce the amount of waste we create.
“I am pleased that Prince Edward Island is again leading the way in this regard, through the work of our Minister of Environment and officials in the department,” Premier Binns said. “We in this province have a world-class system in place to deal with our waste. We now must do what we can to ensure less waste is created. That is the goal of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, and it is one I support.”
Premier Binns said Prince Edward Island’s Waste Watch system is the most comprehensive and successful waste management program in the country.
“We are very pleased with what has been accomplished to date,” Premier Binns said. “You will note, however, that when it comes to the three Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle, reduce is listed first for a reason. We should all strive for the goal of reducing the amount of waste we create.”
Premier Binns said the success of the Waste Watch Program on Prince Edward Island is evidenced by the fact that 65 per cent of waste created in the province is diverted from landfill through recycling, reusing and composting.
“Waste Watch is the only mandatory source-separation system in the country, and Islanders should be very proud of what they have been able to do here,” Premier Binns said. “This program is not only a very effective waste management program, but also a very important environmental protection initiative.
“Islanders place a high value on their environment and are doing their part to secure clean drinking water and clean air for future generations.”