March 07, 2002

Strengthening the use of product stewardship to improve collection, recycling and waste reduction programs is the focus of the Second National Extended Producer Responsibility Conference being held this week in Winnipeg.

Speaking at the conference today, Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin joined delegates from around the world in a discussion of existing and upcoming approaches to waste minimization.

"Manitoba will benefit from the exchange of information with leading experts in this field," said Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin. "Manitoba has a wealth of experience to share from our stewardship programs, including the latest effort to provide Manitobans with the opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste."

The aim of stewardship is to find better methods of diverting or reducing the amount of designated materials from landfill sites by bringing greater levels of responsibility to the producers and users of the materials and products.

In Manitoba, stewardship programs have promoted recycling of products such as used tires, oil, beverage containers and packaging materials. A program focusing on household hazardous wastes is now in development.

"As chair of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, I hope this workshop produces ideas that will guide further action on extended producer responsibility at both the national and provincial levels," said Lathlin.

The minister noted that stewardship programs also have the potential to spur development of new, more environmentally friendly ways to package products and materials, therefore reducing the amount of waste from consumer goods.

The three-day workshop, co-hosted by Manitoba Conservation and Environment Canada at the Hotel Fort Garry, ends tomorrow and has attracted more than 100 delegates from Europe, the U.S. and across Canada.

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