25 Years of Guiding our Province to a Greener Future
Launched in 1997, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) continues to support and promote sustainable waste management. We are proud of the progress we have made with the support of our partners and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Check out our history and accomplishments by clicking on the icons. You can also read our full story in the below timeline.

OVER
beverage containers
RECYCLED
Launched in 1997, the Used Beverage Recycling Program encourages residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to recycle through a deposit-refund system. The program is supported by 55 Green Depots located throughout the province, which are independently owned and operated enterprises that generate revenue through the handling fee collected on beverage containers. To date, over 357 million lbs of recyclables have been diverted from the landfill through the program and recycled into new products.

OVER
tires
DIVERTED
In 2002, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador assigned responsibility to MMSB for a new Used Tire Management Program, the second province-wide recycling program to be established. The program was launched in response to changes in the Waste Management Regulations that banned highway tires from going to landfills. The program provides residents of the province with a safe and environmentally sound way to dispose of used tires. Properly disposing of tires will help extend the life of local waste management facilities, protect our landscapes and conserve natural resources. To date, the program has kept nearly 200 million lbs of used tires out of local landfills.

OVER
research projects
COMPLETED
MMSB is committed to conducting and supporting research to advance the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy. Research provides the foundation for strategic program growth and innovative solutions to sustainable waste management. MMSB regularly gathers valuable data through waste audits for municipalities and businesses, while also researching topics like organics, green house gas emissions, roadside and coastline litter and indiscriminate dumping.
MMSB also partners with the Harris Centre to stimulate research into Newfoundland and Labrador’s waste management needs and opportunities. Since 2010, the Harris Centre – MMSB Waste Management Applied Research Fund has committed $895,000 in funding to 28 projects. Additionally, in 2021 funding also supported the hiring of a waste management research intern.

OVER
litres
DIVERTED
While oil recycling has been available in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2002, the safe disposal of oil and glycol evolved significantly in 2019 with the introduction of an industry-led program. This program diverts a number of oil and glycol products, while also providing safe disposal options for filters and containers. During the first full year of the new used oil and glycol program, the Used Oil Management Association (UOMA) reported over 3.6 million liters of used oil and glycol, as well as 132,000 kilograms of filters and containers, being diverted from landfills.

compost bins
DISTRIBUTED
Since 2005, MMSB has promoted backyard composting as an effective way to reduce waste through its bin distribution program. Through the program, MMSB partners with communities to offer compost bins at a subsidized price and provide education. MMSB has also supported communities and businesses in implementing community and commercial compost projects through its funding programs.

OVER
litres of paint
RECYCLED
Since 2012, residents and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador can properly dispose of all household paint products and containers in a convenient and environmentally friendly manner at paint collection sites located throughout the province. The industry-led program is managed by Product Care Association, with oversight provided by MMSB. It was the province's first extended producer responsibility program.

RAISED
for schools
MMSB works closely with schools throughout the province on a number of initiatives that promote a greener future. Through the Get Matched! School Beverage Recycling Program, MMSB matches the recycling refunds for K-12 schools in the province. To date, over 235 million beverage containers have been recycled by schools.
Through the Recycle at School Program, MMSB works with schools to introduce infrastructure for paper and mixed-container recycling and provides education to students and staff.
In addition, MMSB also provides public education sessions that promote the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Since 2008, over 2,200 presentations have reached more than 55,000 students.

OVER
of electronics
RECYCLED
In 2013, an extended producer responsibility program was launched in Newfoundland and Labrador for the management of electronic waste. As a result, residents and businesses in the province can access several recycling programs offered by industry stewardship organizations working on behalf of electronic product manufacturers. MMSB is responsible for ensuring that industry complies with approved timelines, operational requirements and diversion targets as established in stewardship plans.
Since the launch, the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) has diverted 6 million kilograms of electronics, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) has recycled over 79,500 cell phones; and Bell Aliant recycled over 362,000 set-top boxes.








Our Story

Program Established for Safe Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste
MMSB establishes a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Pilot Project to provide the public with safe disposal services. MMSB worked with communities and regional authorities to offer mobile collection for many years until permanent infrastructure was put in place within a number of waste management facilities throughout the province. From 1998 through 2014, MMSB collected over 1.2 million litres of HHW through collection events.
Waste Management Trust Fund Established
Get Matched! School Beverage Recycling Program launched
New Used Tire Management Program Launched
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador assigns responsibility to MMSB for a new Used Tire Management Program, the second province-wide recycling program to be established. The program was launched in response to changes in the Waste Management Regulations that banned highway tires from going to landfills. The program has resulted in the proper disposal of over 7 million tires.
Backyard Compost Bin Distribution Program is Launched
MMSB launches the backyard compost bin distribution program, which provides bins to communities and partners to be sold to residents at a subsidized price. To date, MMSB has distributed over 33,000 bins. MMSB also made backyard composting a cornerstone for its public education activities, a practice that continues today.
Green Depot Licensing Standards and Best Practices Manual Introduced
MMSB implements a new Green Depot Licensing Standards and Best Practices manual, the first of its kind in Canada. The manual was improved in 2010 to better serve Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Highlights include enhanced customer service; an infrastructure loan program up to $25,000 to assist with the cost of adhering to the new standards; and a consistent brand and marketing approach for all depots.
Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund Launched
New Research Partnership Formed with Harris Centre
A new research partnership is launched between MMSB and Memorial University’s Harris Centre to stimulate research into Newfoundland and Labrador’s waste management needs and opportunities. The Harris Centre – MMSB Waste Management Applied Research Fund is established. Since 2010, the Harris Centre – MMSB Waste Management Applied Research Fund has committed $895,000 in funding to 28 projects.
Research Released on the Beverage Container Recycling Carbon Footprint
MMSB releases research on the carbon footprint for the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program for the previous year. The research estimated that the 157 million used beverage containers that were recycled during the previous year saved 8,768 metric tonnes of GHG emissions, equivalent to taking 1,461 cars off the road or planting 8 million trees.
Paint Recycling Program Launched
The province’s first industry-led provincial program is launched to recycle waste paint. The program takes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) approach, with the Product Care Association managing the program and MMSB providing oversight. To date, over 1.4 million litres of paint has been recycled.
First Waste Audit Conducted
MMSB completes its first waste audit. Waste audits are a service provided to municipalities and organizations interested in pursuing waste reduction opportunities. The audits allow for characterization of waste streams to estimate waste generation and composition in order to design reduction and diversion programs.
Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program Launched
MMSB invests $65,000 from the Waste Management Trust Fund to launch an Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program. The program was developed in partnership with the Town of CBS based on a successful surveillance and enforcement initiative implemented in that community. Through the program, equipment and training was provided to seven municipalities to build capacity to deal with illegal dumping in the province. The number of participating communities grew to 15 in 2014.
New Electronics Recycling Program Launched
An EPR program is launched for the management of electronic waste. As a result, residents and businesses in the province can access several recycling programs offered by industry stewardship organizations working on behalf of electronic product manufacturers. MMSB is responsible for oversight of the program. Since the launch, EPRA has diverted 6 million kilograms of electronics, CWTA has recycled over 79,500 cell phones; and Bell Aliant has recycled over 362,000 set-top boxes.
New Green Depot Information System Launched
MMSB enters an agreement with Evergreen Recycling to adopt a province wide management information system for Green Depots. The system offers numerous benefits, including: operational efficiencies, quality assurance and real-time intelligence on daily collection rates. The system also allowed MMSB to offer Xpress drop-off service at depots throughout the province.
MMSB Hosts Organics Waste Management Conference
Beverage Recycling Services Streamlined
MMSB streamlines services and signs a deal with Hebert’s Recycling Inc. for the collection and processing of all beverage containers in the province. This new arrangement resulted in scheduling efficiencies and better utilization of labor, an adoption of innovative compaction technology, less trucks on the road resulting in a 50% reduction in emissions and significant cost savings to the organization.
Waste Management Research Study Conducted
MMSB completes a research study to measure attitudes and behaviours regarding waste management and recycling amongst residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The study was designed to identify opportunities to increase diversion through public education campaigns. The study also created benchmark indicators for programs and behaviours that could be compared in future studies to evaluate effectiveness of programs and public education activities. MMSB has completed further benchmark research in 2017 and 2020.
Update Provided on Provincial Waste Management Strategy
Recycle at School Program Launched
MMSB in partnership with the NLESD launch the Recycle at School program. The program provides the education and infrastructure needed to empower students and teachers to recycle more at school. Initially launched as a pilot project with Eastern Regional Service Board, today the program supports schools in the central region and soon the western region in navigating mandatory recycling programs.
MMSB Enters Partnership with Crime Stoppers to Deter Illegal Dumping
MMSB launches a new partnership with Crime Stoppers to encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to anonymously report suspicious activity related to illegal dumping. The partnership is supported by a public awareness campaign to deter potential offenders from dumping their garbage at unauthorized sites and to promote Crime Stoppers as a province-wide point of contact for reporting illegal dumping. To date, over 190 tips have been submitted through Crime Stoppers.
Community Waste Diversion Fund Launched
Community Waste Diversion Fund was launched to support initiatives that foster solid waste diversion in Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, 50 recipients have been awarded over $440,000.
Rethink Waste NL Launched
MMSB launches RethinkWasteNL.ca, a new website that provides Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with easy access to information on properly managing their waste. The site also features educational resources for households, schools, businesses and communities, as well as a search feature to help them find nearby proper disposal and recycling options. Rethink Waste NL has become a call to action for residents to find the right place for their waste.
New Green Depot Website Launched
MMSB launches www.greendepotnl.ca, a dedicated website for the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program. The new site features information on the deposit refund system; what’s accepted in the program; Xpress registration; and a complete listing of contact information and hours of operation for each Green Depot in the province.
Hebert’s Recycling Opens New Recycling Plant
MMSB celebrates the official opening of Hebert’s Recycling Inc.’s new recycling plant. Hebert’s Recycling Inc. developed the new processing plant after being awarded a contract with the MMSB to purchase all of its plastics from the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program. This was an expansion of its contract with MMSB, which also includes collection, processing and transportation. Through its strategic investment in new technology and a new plant, the company changed the way containers are collected, baled, and processed in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Used Oil and Glycol Recycling Program Launched
The Used Oil Management Association (UOMA), with oversight from MMSB, launches a new EPR program to recycle used oil and glycol products. During the first full year of the program, UOMA reported over 3.6 million liters of used oil and glycol, as well as 132,000 kilograms of filters and containers, being diverted from landfills.
In-vessel Composting System Introduced to Avalon Mall
MMSB announces its investment of $15,000 through SWMIF to help finance the purchase of an in-vessel composting unit to manage organic waste generated and collected at the Avalon Mall food court. This organics recycling program is the first in-vessel system to be launched at a shopping center in the province.
Single Use Plastic Bags Banned in Newfoundland and Labrador
Additional Electronics to be Accepted for Recycling
MMSB’s Board of Directors and the Minister of ECC approve an expansion of the list of accepted electronics that can be recycled in Newfoundland and Labrador. Effective August 1, 2021, external storage drives and modems, electronic readers, video game devices, navigation systems and counter-top microwave ovens will be accepted by EPRA.
First Litter Summit Held
After releasing a report of findings from a provincial litter audit performed in 2021, MMSB hosts a multi-stakeholder event to discuss the prevention, reduction and management of litter in the province.