June 19 and 20 have been set as the dates for a major recycling conference in Summerside. With the recent announcement by the Prince Edward Island government of a new waste management strategy, the recycling industry in Prince Edward Island is poised to take off in new directions. The Province has committed to diverting the amount of solid waste going to disposal by 50 per cent by year 2000. Business opportunities exist in the recycling industry and the conference will be of interest to existing recycling businesses, potential recyclers, waste management personnel, municipal offices, business and industry representatives and government staff.
Tom Sawyer Jr., the "Trash Tycoon" of the state of Maine will be speaking on the recycling industry in that state and the importance of a strong education program promoting public support and participation. Mr. Sawyer is a successful entrepreneur who has built his business, Sawyer Environmental, solving solid waste problems by pursuing recycling as a value added waste management alternative. His companies handle everything from paper, tires, and demolition debris to securely storing special waste. Other speakers during the two-day event will offer sessions on glass recycling, the importance of quality plastic feedstock, plastics processing and marketing, refillable container systems, pesticide container recycling and paper fibre recycling. Information on financial assistance opportunities and a tour of the East Prince Waste Management Facility and the Waste Management System in place in the Summerside Tax Centre is scheduled.
The conference takes place at the Loyalist Country Inn in Summerside and is hosted by the Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries and Environment, the East Prince Waste Management Commission and the newly formed Prince Edward Island Waste Management Commission. Sponsors include the Prince Edward Island Environmental Industries Association, Island Telephone Company Limited and the Atlantic Canada Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America. Registration cost is $20 and lunch will be provided on June 20. For information please call 436-8111.
For more information contact: Don Jardine, Department of Fisheries and Environment at 368-5035 or Claudette Gallant, East Prince Waste Management Commission at 436-8111.