Ireland Studying N.S. Waste Management Model

Five senior government officials from the Republic of Ireland are in Nova Scotia to study the province's successful strategies for reducing municipal landfill and incineration.

"We chose Nova Scotia because we feel that their waste management operation is one of the world's foremost systems," said Mr. Noel Ahern, leader for the Nova Scotia visit. "As Ireland begins to adapt to a more efficient waste management system, we can benefit from the expertise and advice of the Nova Scotia authorities."

"We're proud that our environmental accomplishments are drawing so much international attention," said David Morse, Minister of Environment and Labour. "If we're going to protect our global environment, Nova Scotia not only has to lead by example, but we must share our strategies with others, so we can overcome environmental challenges together."

This is the third Irish delegation to visit the province in the last 12 months. Other countries that have come to learn first- hand about Nova Scotia's successful waste management strategies include New Zealand, Hong Kong and the United States.

The visitors from Ireland will focus their three-day tour on solid waste management facilities in Halifax Regional Municipality and the region of Lunenburg.

Recycling and composting have helped to reduce the number of landfills in Nova Scotia from over 100 in the early 1970s to only 18 today. Curbside recycling is available to 100 per cent of Nova Scotia's residents, and 72 per cent have access to curbside collection of organic materials for composting, through the province's municipalities.