July 7, 2004, CP News Wire

A two year study by a non-profit research group suggests Nova Scotia is a world leader in solid waste management

HALIFAX -- A two year study by a non-profit research group suggests Nova Scotia is a world leader in solid waste management.

The Genuine Progress Index report concludes that with all costs and benefits factored in the province's handling of garbage saves at least 31 million dollars a year.

The study takes into account the money spent collecting and sorting trash but it also assigns a dollar value to things like extended landfill life, reduced air pollution and job creation.

Lead author Dr. Sally Walker, who heads a Halifax based environmental consulting company, says that Nova Scotia now diverts 46 per cent of its solid waste compared to only three per cent in 1989.

The province, the federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities all contributed funding to the study.

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