The Manitoba government kicked off Waste Reduction Week by confirming the approval of the stewardship program plan for the continued collection and recycling of used oil and oil containers, filters and antifreeze.
“When it comes to oil recycling, every drop counts,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires. “A single litre of used oil can make one million litres of fresh water undrinkable. Proper handling of used motor oil is important because oil picks up a variety of hazardous contaminants throughout its life in an engine and improper disposal of oil can be a danger to the environment.”
In Manitoba, designated materials are handled with a responsibility-based model, operated by not-for-profit producer responsibility organizations (PROs). Manitoba has developed strong partnerships with 12 PROs, including the Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corporation (MARRC), which manages the used oil and antifreeze stewardship program. Squires confirmed that Manitoba has agreed to a five-year renewal with MARRC.
“MARRC is pleased to receive this approval and will focus on maximizing the recovery of used oil and antifreeze products,” said Ron Benson, executive director, MARRC. “We will continue to enhance awareness of the importance of recycling and build on the network of collection sites throughout the province.”
The new five-year plan includes a recovery target of 75 per cent for used oil and filters. For the first time, the program is also expected to start collecting diesel exhaust fluid containers this November.
One of the goals of the renewed partnership between Manitoba and the Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corporation is to continue and further develop convenient, provincewide access to recycling opportunities including in northern, remote and Indigenous communities.
Currently, there are nearly 100 collection sites in Manitoba. In 2017, those sites recovered 14.9 million litres of oil and over 1.6 million filters.
There are a dozen different recycling and safe disposal programs in Manitoba that collect materials such as paper and plastic packaging, as well as household hazardous waste like batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and electronics. More information about where to recycle those products can be found at gov.mb.ca.
Waste Reduction Week runs from Oct. 15 to 21, and plays a critical role in raising awareness and engaging communities in sustainability initiatives.
