P.E.I. leading country in recycling and composting

Islanders are tops in Canada at keeping waste out of the landfill, according to a new report from Statistics Canada.

The report showed on average Islanders diverted 429 kilograms to recycling or composting per person. The Canadian average was just 255 kilograms.

Environment Minister Robert Mitchell expressed pride in the report.

"Your efforts will protect our environment for future generations and save precious natural resources by providing valuable raw materials that can be recycled into new products," said Mitchell in a news release.

The province credited the Island-wide launch of Waste Watch in 2002, which has helped Islanders reduce waste going to landfill by 50 per cent.

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