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News Release

For immediate release
April 16, 2003

WASTE DIVERSION ONTARIO TO TACKLE USED TIRES AND OIL ERNIE EVES GOVERNMENT TO INVEST $1 MILLION TO CLEAN UP USED TIRES

TORONTO - Environment Minister Chris Stockwell has requested that Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) develop a waste diversion program for used tires and used oil. The Ernie Eves government is also investing $1million to clean up stockpiled tire sites, said Stockwell today.

In separate letters to the WDO board of directors, the minister requested that WDO develop a diversion program for used tires and used oil material, and establish Industry Funding Organizations (IFOs) made up of brand owners and importers of tires and oil. The IFOs and WDO are to work with stakeholders to develop these diversion plans and submit them to the minister for approval.

In addition, this year the government will invest $1 million to clean up stockpiled tires to help reduce potential fire hazards and potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus.

“The Ontario government made a commitment when the WDO was created to look at diversion programs, including programs for used tires and used oil, and we’re keeping our promise,” Stockwell said. “These are important steps toward achieving that goal. I’ve also asked WDO to consider establishing a plan to address the used tires stockpiled across the province.”

Approximately 11 million used tires are generated in Ontario each year. About 4.5 million are recycled and used for such things as automotive parts, playground and sports surfaces, running tracks, loading dock bumpers and mats, and road construction.

About 250 million litres of used oil are generated and available for collection annually in the province. Of that, 25 to 30 per cent is re-refined into new lubricating oil. Approximately half is used as fuel for industrial boilers and cement kilns. WDO has also been asked to focus on increasing used oil collection from remote and northern locations and from do-it-yourself generators, as well as to create diversion programs for oil filters and empty oil containers.

The WDO and the two IFOs are expected to deliver used oil and used tire programs to the environment minister by November 30, 2003, and January 30, 2004, respectively.

Regulations designating used tires (O.Reg. 84/03) and used oil, oil filters and oil containers (O.Reg. 85/03) are posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) Web site. Attached with those postings are the minister’s request letters to the WDO for the public’s information. Further information about current and upcoming waste diversion initiatives can be found on the ministry’s Web site at www.ene.gov.on.ca (click on “Land” and look for Waste Diversion Initiatives).

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Contacts:
John Steele
Communications Branch
(416) 314-6666

Diana Arajs
Minister’s Office
(416) 314-6736