Yellowknife, N.W.T. - Representatives from the city, the GNWT and Ecology North were among those presenters talking garbage at a solid waste public forum Tuesday night at City Hall.

A hazardous waste specialist with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Gerald Enns, was there to raise awareness about the mercury contained in many types of lamps.

Enns said mercury is a contaminant and his department is trying to reduce the amount of mercury released into landfills.

“It accumulates in the environment and works its way up the food chain and it impacts human health as well,” he said.

According to Enns, nationally, 90 per cent of lamps with mercury in them end up in the landfill.

The department is encouraging businesses and institutions to recycle the bulbs.

Other representatives from ENR were also there to talk about waste reduction programs.

Waste reduction coordinator Michelle Hannah explained they are now looking at addressing e-waste.

“We’re all aware of how fast new technology eclipses the old stuff,” she said. “New cell phones, new computers, new tablets, new portable stereos are coming out all the time.”

The forum was part of Earth Week events, which are happening until Sunday.

CJCD Mix 100 News