The Auditor General’s (AG) report has outlined significant problems at the Multi Material Stewardship Board (MMSB) that must be addressed to improve environmental initiatives and programs available in the province, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

In his report, the AG identified problems with the tire recycling program, the used beverage container recycling program, funding issues with the MMSB Trust Fund, poor communications between the Department of Environment and Conservation and the MMSB, and the lack of proactive measures to improve recycling initiatives in the province.

“There has certainly been a lack of accountability with the MMSB and their recycling programs in the province,” said Ms. Jones. “Both the MMSB and the Department of Environment and Conservation has not shown any leadership or proactive measures in developing new programs that will help grow recycling initiatives and reduce waste going into the province’s landfills.

“There have been glossy advertising campaigns on recycling, but we have not seen any new programs established. Meanwhile, the MMSB Trust Fund continues to experience significant surpluses due to fewer people recycling their beverage containers. This is certainly not the appropriate way to run recycling initiatives in the province.”

Jones says more focus should be placed on using surpluses to develop programs that address materials such as cardboard and e-waste and makes it easy to recycle through initiatives such as curbside pick-up.