June 04, 2001

Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin has announced a $50,000 grant to the City of Winnipeg for a development study to create a composting facility capable of processing thousands of tonnes of yard waste annually.

"We are pleased to be able to help Winnipeg by funding the development of this project which will see a substantial amount of yard waste diverted from landfills," said Lathlin. "This curbside collection and composting program is consistent with Manitoba’s objectives of reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions and conserving energy."

The comprehensive residential yard waste curb-side collection and composting program is part of Winnipeg’s overall Waste Minimization Strategy. Yard waste would be composted at a facility with a capacity to process 27,000 tonnes per year.

Development study funding will be provided through the province’s Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund (WRAPP). WRAPP supports projects in the areas of organic waste management and composting, pollution prevention and model integrated waste management system development and planning. The four-year, $2.2 million fund was established in 2000.

The minister made the announcement at the first annual Green Fair held today at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg. The event highlighted the Sustainable Development Procurement Guidelines, introduced by the province in December 2000. The guidelines call for the consideration of environmental impacts when purchasing on behalf of the province.

Lathlin also reminded all Manitobans that June 9 is EcoDay and encouraged them to make use of Manitoba’s 43 EcoCentres and 60 collection points. Used oil materials--including used oil, oil filters and plastic oil containers--are accepted for recycling year-round. EcoDay involves community events throughout the province where EcoCentres are located.

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