About Us

1996

MMSB is Established

Provincial Government establishes MMSB to implement a beverage container deposit refund system, aimed at keeping used containers out of the landfill. Once established, MMSB was tasked with program development for additional materials that should be diverted from the landfill.

1997

Launch of Provincial Beverage Container Deposit Refund System

Provincial deposit refund system for beverage containers is launched. The program launched with 22 active depots throughout the province to accept containers from residents. Today, there are 53 Green Depots in the province.

1998

Program Established for Safe Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

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.

2000

Get Matched! School Recycling Program Launched

The Get Matched! School Beverage Recycling Program is launched to support school fundraising and encourage recycling in youth. Through the program, MMSB matches the recycling refunds for K-12 schools. To date, over $24.4 million has been raised for schools.

2002

Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy Released

In response to public consultations, the Government releases the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Strategy in 2002 with the aim of modern waste management province-wide. The strategy identified clear roles and responsibilities for MMSB.

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. To date, the program has resulted in the proper disposal of over 7 million tires.

2005

Backyard Compost Bin Distribution Program is Launched

MMSB launches the Backyard Compost Bin Distribution Program, providing 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.

MMSB Supports Province’s First Curb-Side Recycling Programs

MMSB provides financial support through the Waste Management Trust Fund to launch the first curb-side recycling programs in the province in Corner Brook and Mount Pearl for paper and cardboard.

2006

Over 1 Million Tires Collected

The Used Tire Management Program hits a new milestone, collecting over 1 million tires since the launch of the program in 2002.

2007

Over 1 Billion Beverage Containers Collected

The Used Beverage Container Recycling Program celebrates a milestone, with over 1 billion containers now diverted from the province’s landfills since 1997.

2009

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.

First Cell Phone Recycling Program Launched in Province

In conjunction with the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, a Recycle My Cell program is launched in the province offering cell phone users a chance to recycle and properly dispose of old cell phones.

Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund (SWMIF) Launched

MMSB launches the Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund for the research and development of new or improved technology products, services, and processes supporting the implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy. To date, over $779,980 has been distributed to 91 projects.

2010

New Tire Management Strategy Introduced

MMSB pursues a new tire derived fuel strategy and begins an agreement to ship used tires to partners in Quebec, providing an economical and environmentally conscious solution for tire disposal.

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 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!

2011

First Roadside Litter Audit Completed

MMSB conducts the province’s first roadside litter audit to quantify the amount, type, and brands of litter found on Newfoundland and Labrador’s roads. Roadside litter audits continue to be conducted every five years.

2012

Curbside Composting Pilot Program Launched

MMSB partners with the Burin Peninsula Waste Management Corporation and the Town of Grand Bank to launch the Curbside Composting Pilot Program. The pilot project engaged 450 households in the Town of Grand Bank. The program continues today.

Organic Waste Management Study Released

MMSB releases the province’s first study of the generation and management of organic waste in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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 (PCA) 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.

2013

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.

Partnership Launched to Manage the Recycling of Milk Packaging

MMSB signs agreement with Atlantic Dairy Council to manage the recycling of milk packaging in Newfoundland and Labrador through residential curbside blue bag programs.

More than 2 Billion Beverage Containers Recycled

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians reach an important milestone in the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program by diverting more than two billion beverage containers from the province’s landfills.

New Electronics Recycling Program Launched

An Extended Producer Responsibility (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 allows MMSB to offer Xpress drop-off services at depots throughout the province.

MMSB Hosts Organic Waste Management Conference

MMSB hosts Organics Waste Management Conference – Earth Bound. Experts across North America, including organic waste producers and managers, municipal and provincial governments, businesses, industry leaders, and environmental organizations, shared best practices on organic waste management.

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 labour, 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.

2014

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 completed further benchmark research in 2017 and 2020.

Update Provided on Provincial Waste Management Strategy

MMSB releases update on implementation of the Provincial Waste Management Strategy, announcing that the waste diversion rate in Newfoundland and Labrador has increased from 7 per cent in 1992 to 28 percent in 2012. Subsequent reports have reported a steady diversion rate of 25%.

Recycle @ School Program Launched

MMSB, in partnership with the NLESD, launched the Recycle @ 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.

2015

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 (CWDF) Launched

MMSB’s Community Waste Diversion Fund was launched to support initiatives fostering solid waste diversion in Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, 50 recipients have been awarded over $440,000.

Rethink Waste NL Launched

MMSB launches Rethink Waste NL, a website dedicated to providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with easy access to information on properly managing their waste. The site also featured 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 is a call to action for residents to find the right place for their waste. Rethink Waste NL has recently merged with MMSB to create one definitive online resource for all things waste diversion.

2017

Labrador West Waste Study Released

MMSB reports on a waste characterization and diversion study for Labrador West. The study profiled waste streams to make recommendations for diversion opportunities.

New Green Depot Website Launched

MMSB launches Green Depot NL, a dedicated website for the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program. The site featured 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. Green Depot NL has recently merged with MMSB to create one definitive online resource for all things waste diversion, including the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program.

2018

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 MMSB to purchase all 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.

Automated Counting System Launched

MMSB adopts an automated counting system in its Quality Assurance division of its Beverage Recycling Program. The system has resulted in increased productivity, health, safety, and accuracy.

2019

3 Billion Beverage Containers Recycled

The Used Beverage Container Recycling Program celebrates another major milestone, with over 3 billion containers now diverted from landfills since 1997.

Used Oil and Glycol Recycling Program Launched

The Used Oil Management Association (UOMA), with oversight from MMSB, launches a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program to recycle used oil and glycol products. During the first full year of the program, UOMA reported over 3.6 million litres 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 the Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund (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 centre in the province.

2020

Digital Composting Workshops Launched

MMSB launches new Composting Made Easy digital workshops in response to limitations for in-person composting education due to COVID-19. The workshops promote backyard composting and continue to be offered regularly, with over 500 participants taking part to date.

Single Use Plastic Bags Banned in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador enacts a provincial ban on the distribution of retail plastic bags on October 1, 2020. MMSB supported consultation for the ban, as well as public education to promote the use of reusable bags over other single use alternatives.

Coastline Litter Audit Report Released

MMSB releases a report on a Coastline Litter Audit performed in 2019. The audit was performed to quantify and categorize waste that is present on Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastline, as well as to study sources of marine debris.

2021

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.

50th Waste Audit Completed

MMSB completes its 50th waste audit. The audit was conducted for the Avalon Mall to evaluate the effectiveness of recycling infrastructure and composting practices.

2022

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.

Come Home Year Community Cleanup Funding Launched

In honour of ‘Come Home Year,’ MMSB launched a new funding initiative to support the cleanup of litter and improperly disposed bulk items in areas such as roadsides, trails, beaches, parks, and outdoor recreational spaces. Over $520,000  in funding was awarded to 261 projects.