Nearly one million kilograms of hazardous waste removed from NWT communities

The GNWT says it is nearing completion of a hazardous waste removal program that has cleared nearly one million kilograms of stockpiled waste from 20 communities.

The cleanup project began in 2022 and is expected to cost about $7.75 million. Seventy-five per cent of the cost is covered by the federal government through Canada’s Infrastructure Program. The remaining $2 million is paid by community governments, who also provided equipment such as loaders and chains, as well as operators and labour.

The GNWT says that while communities attempted to address hazardous waste as far back as 2010, only partial amounts could be removed at the time due to limited resources.

“Building on the progress made in removing hazardous waste, our next steps will focus on clearing scrap metal from community solid waste sites throughout the NWT,” stated Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, in a release.

After the full completion and with funding extended, the GNWT says it will shift its focus to helping communities better manage hazardous waste and prevent future stockpiles.

“This includes supporting communities with information on the proper disposal of hazardous waste, providing community governments with tools and resources to facilitate future removal, and offering ongoing support with operational best practices,” said the GNWT’s communication person Alice Twa in an email.

Communities still awaiting cleanup include Nahanni Butte, Jean Marie River, Aklavik, Inuvik, Délı̨nę, Łutselk’e and Fort Resolution.

Hazardous waste area in Norman Wells after the removal. (Photo courtesy of GNWT)