Waste reduction and diversion initiatives continue to make a positive impact in the Northwest Territories, and resident participation is key to this success. Progress on these initiatives is outlined in the Waste Reduction and Recovery Program Annual Report for 2022-2023 released today.

The Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) waste reduction and diversion programs for beverage containers, single-use retail bags and electronics recycling play a vital role in minimizing waste and promoting recycling efforts across the NWT. These programs help to keep the environment clean and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of new materials.

In 2022-2023, the Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative distributed $99,919 in funding to projects aimed at reducing and recycling materials beyond the existing programs. Notable projects contributing to a more sustainable future for the NWT include:

• provision of reusable dishware to 11 schools in nine communities by the Food First Foundation;
• expansion of composting programs in the Hamlet of Tulita;
• funding Food Rescue Yellowknife renovations to ensure continued operations to support food waste reduction efforts;
• promoting the reuse and recycling of clothing through clothing exchanges hosted by A-List Organizing & Design;
• replacing paper towels with reuseable cloths by the Sir John Franklin High School Green Team; and
• innovative projects like tire-derived aggregate applications by Kavanaugh Bros Ltd.

Quote

 “As the GNWT continues to champion waste reduction and recycling initiatives, I want to commend the dedication and collaboration of residents and stakeholders in building a cleaner and more resilient territory.”

- Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• NWT depots and regional processing centers employed 32 part-time and 10 full-time staff.
• The equivalent 18 kilograms of beverage containers per resident was returned for reuse and recycling (22,262,970 total). The beverage container recovery rate was 69.2%.
• The use of an estimated 7.7 million bags, or 170 bags per NWT resident, was avoided.
• The equivalent of 1.79 kgs of electronics per NWT resident were recycled.
• An estimated 1,950.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) were avoided by waste reduction and diversion programs.

Related links

• Waste Reduction and Recovery Program Annual Report – 2022/2023
• Waste Reduction and Recycling
• Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative

For media requests, please contact:
Environment and Climate Change Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
ECC_Communications@gov.nt.ca