An initiative from the Government of Manitoba hopes to reduce greenhouse emissions by updating current disposal and recycling processes.

The province is building on previous commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will be modernizing current waste and recycling procedures.

“Every household in the province has whitegoods, whether it be a fridge, a freezer, a dehumidifier, a water cooler or an air-conditioning unit, and the improper disposal of these items leads to the release of more unwanted greenhouse gases and a negative impact on the environment,” said Dany Robidoux, executive director, Eco-West Canada.

Currently, if a Manitoban has an appliance to dispose of it can be left with their regular garbage pick up or call 311 for larger appliances such as stoves. Manitoba Hydro. has committed to helping the disposal of fridges and freezers.

The new project will focus on ozone-depleting substances such as fridges, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. They are labelled as whitegoods products because of their emissions. 

“Encouraging Manitobans to make small changes in their homes can have a lasting impact on our environment,"  Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard says in a statement. "We all know that recycling is critical to the protection of our environment and will help sustain the long-term viability of landfills across the province."

The government hopes the planned initiative will help meet its emission reduction targets.