In recognition of World Environment Day, June 5, the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is calling on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to do one small act to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
This year’s World Environment Day theme is Beat Plastic Pollution. Each year, approximately 10 per cent of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide is recycled, with an estimated 11 million tonnes deposited in lakes, rivers and seas.
Reducing plastic waste and its impact on the natural environment is essential to protecting our water, land, marine life, and ecosystems.
The Provincial Government encourages all residents to recycle, repurpose, rethink and reuse plastics and adopt ecofriendly practices such as choosing reusable containers and retail bags. Residents can send plastic and other recyclable material to recycling depots and collection sites throughout the province. The backgrounder below highlights the province’s success to date with measures to reduce plastics.
Each year, World Environment Day is spearheaded by the United Nations and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It also takes place during Canadian Environment Week which runs from Sunday, June 1, to Saturday, June 7, 2025. World Environment Day is an opportunity to recognize the steps we are taking at home and across the globe today for a greener tomorrow.
Quote
“Reducing plastic pollution is one of the easiest ways to protect our environment. It’s as simple as picking up plastic litter that you see while outdoors. During Canadian Environment Week, I encourage individuals, groups, schools, businesses and communities to recycle and opt for reusable products so that future generations can thrive in a healthy and sustainable environment.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
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Learn more
United Nations World Environment Day
Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
Council on the Zero Plastic Waste Strategy
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BACKGROUNDER
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to supporting recycling programs across the province. In 2024-2025, a total of 238 million containers were recycled and diverted from landfills through recycling programs in the province. Almost 230 million containers were collected through Multi Materials Stewardship Board’s Green Depot network and nine million were collected through the provincial curbside blue bag program. This is an increase of 14 million units from the previous year.
Since the implementation of a ban on retail plastic bags in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2020, residents, communities and business have adopted alternatives such as reusable bags to combat plastic pollution and protect the environment.
Our partnerships with municipalities, regional boards and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board ensures that we are continuously evaluating all options for modern and effective waste diversion across Newfoundland and Labrador. MMSB provides individuals, groups, businesses, and communities with essential resources such as workshops, educational materials, and recycling and composting guides.