Inuvik (Sep 05/03) - The government came to Inuvik seeking input and advice on enacting new recycling legislation and they got loads from one Inuvik man.

Ray Massey, president of the Inuvik Recycling Society, helped found Raven Recycling in Whitehorse and provided the committee with much of the knowledge he acquired in the Yukon.

Massey gave a 10- point presentation outlining questions and providing input as to how the government should enact the legislation.

He suggested establishing an advisory committee to guide the establishment and operation of waste recovery and reduction.

Another point Massey made was to establish an environment fund from all money recovered through the act, with initial funds going to repay the government's expense in administering it.

"We would not want to see the fund used to offset already established government environmental responsibilities," Massey said.

The society recommends the following as subject to waste recovery:

• single serve beverage containers
• multi-serve beverage containers (ie: 2 litre pop bottles)
• all #1 and #2 PET plastic containers (ie: milk jugs)
• paper and cardboard
• household batteries
• household hazardous waste (paint, cleaners, solvents)
• tires (disposal fee)
• automotive batteries
• engine oil

Massey feels the money gained on return of some products could be used to offset the costs associated with other products that may not fetch a high enough price to recover transportation costs, but other items (like tires) should have a user fee attached to their purchase price.

The society also suggests that Inuvik should have a regional processing plant.

"We believe that there will be enough materials coming in from the eight communities in the Beaufort Delta to justify a processing facility in Inuvik," he said.

The committee will also travel to Aklavik, Hay River, Fort Resolution and Yellowknife seeking public input before presenting their findings later this month.