Date: March 12, 2013
Source: Ontario Waste Management Association
The Ontario Waste Management Association has issued a policy report that calls for a government-led effort to dramatically expand recycling and energy recovery as a way to create jobs and promote economic growth. The report, entitled "ReThink Waste," laments "the enormous loss of resources and economic opportunity from sending 75% of our waste to disposal and sites." A recent Ontario study indicates that every 1,000 tons of waste diverted creates 7 full-time jobs, over $700,000 in GDP and $360,000 in wages. The report recommends that the government develop a long-term economic strategy to harness the economic value of waste as a resource. They could begin with redefining the waste management hierarchy, employ disposal bans and extended producer responsibility, foster open and competitive markets, and procure only products made in whole or in part from recycled materials. This effort would be amplified by strengthened enforcement, oversight and tracking.
PRESS RELEASE
March 12, 2013
Time to ReThink Waste in Ontario
The Ontario Waste Management Association Releases a Blue Print for Harnessing the Economic Benefits of Resource Management in Ontario
Today, the Ontario Waste Management Association released a policy report entitled 'ReThink Waste.' The report underlines the enormous loss of resources and economic opportunities associated with sending 75% of our waste to disposal and offers a path forward.
"With the right policies, Ontario has the potential to become an environmental and economic leader in resource management", said Rob Cook CEO. "The 'ReThink Waste' report provides the government with a blue print to unlock Ontario's current resource recovery potential and encourage millions in investment to expand the province's current waste management infrastructure."
Ontario needs to capitalize on business which has real potential to create economic growth and jobs. The waste management sector offers an opportunity for the governrnent not only to address econornic growth and create well paid jobs but also to meet environmental objectives.
A recent Ontario study indicates that every 1,000 tonnes of waste diverted creates 7 full-time jobs, over $700,000 in GDP and $360,000 in wages. Jobs in waste diversion pay above the provincial average and the economic benefits are four times greater than the net cost to recycle.
"These recommendations are not about picking technology winners or losers," explained Cook. "Instead, they seek to change behavior and drive efficiencies in the least intrusive way."
The report recommends the government develop a long-term economic strategy to harness the economic value of waste as a resource. This would include redefining the waste management hierarchy to maximize material and energy recovery; utilizing economic instruments like disposal bans and extended producer responsibility while fostering fair, open and competitive markets for all parties; and supporting products made in whole or in part from recycled materials through procurement.
The report also strongly recommends that government improve regulatory outcomes through strengthened enforcement, oversight and tracking.
The full report can be found at www.owma.org.
About The Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA)
The Ontario Waste Management Association, founded in 1977, speaks for nearly 300 private and public sector members who provide the products and services for a better environment. Our business is to protect the environment through the proper management of waste and recyclable materials.
Learn more about the Ontario Waste Management Association.
For More Information Contact:
Rob Cook, CEO Ontario Waste Management Association
905-791-9500
rcook@owma.org.
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