New Waste Management Program for Provincial Parks
NATURAL RESOURCES--New Waste Management Program for Provincial Parks
A new waste management program is being introduced in provincial parks this season. Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage announced today, May 13, that park users will be encouraged to do their part to reduce waste.
The first component of this new initiative is a separation program developed by the Parks Division of Natural Resources, with advice and assistance from RRFB Nova Scotia in co-operation with Department of Environment and Labour. Campers will be asked to separate their waste into four types so that it can be sent to local recycling and disposal facilities.
"This is an excellent program which will reinforce among Nova Scotians and visitors that waste reduction and recycling are responsibilities we all share," said Mr. Fage. "Through this program the department has taken a lead role in ensuring environmental integrity and stewardship for public recreational spaces."
The new program is funded by the Department of Natural Resources and RRFB Nova Scotia. Funding was used to produce special recycling stations, signage and educational materials for use in provincial parks.
"RRFB Nova Scotia is pleased to support this new initiative that will assist in keeping our province clean in accordance with Nova Scotia's Solid Waste-Resource Management Strategy," said Derek Firth, chief operating officer for RRFB Nova Scotia. "This project is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how recycled plastic can be used for construction such as these recycling stations."
The second component of the waste management program is a "pack- it-in, pack-it-out" policy to reduce waste in provincial day-use parks. Visitors to the parks will be required to pack up their garbage at the end of their visit and take it home with them.
"Again, we are asking for public support to keep our provincial parks natural and to take responsibility for cleaning up their picnic waste and removing it from the park," said Mr. Fage."
The Department of Natural Resources will introduce the complete waste management program in provincial parks over two years. During Year One, waste separation stations will be placed in all camping parks, and day visitors to smaller parks will be expected to remove their own waste when they leave. In the second year, the separation program will be extended to the larger day-use parks and parks with food concessions.
For more information on this program and details on waste services at provincial parks call the local district office of the Department of Natural Resources. For general information on provincial parks experiences visit the parks Web site at <a href="http://parks.gov.ns.ca/">http://parks.gov.ns.ca<a/>.