94G4nation Section

DEPT. OF PROVINCIAL SECRETARY
ROOM 137— PHONE WH 6-7439
LEGISLATIVE BUILDING
WINNIPEG 1, MANITOBA

Province of Manitoba

June 11, 1965.
Date

'TRASH IN ORBIT'
PROJECT LAUNCHED
An imaginative new approach to the problem of litter along highways
is being launched this year, highways minister Hon. Walter Weir has announced.
Ten new-style trash containers called Orbits and resembling miniature spaceships will be placed along the Trans-Canada Highway early in July
following their appearance in displays at the Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg
and the Manitoba Exhibition at Brandon.
The Orbits are large white spheres made of fire-resistant fibreglass
and are mounted on black metal stands. Eventually, they will be placed in
islands off the highway shoulders. The containers, made by Duraplex Products
Limited of Winnipeg, have large-size openings which should encourage motorists
to toss "trash in Orbit" instead of onto the highway.
In keeping with the space age motif, motorists will be alerted to
the presence of the Orbits by "count-down" signs advising that they are 10
minutes and one minute from Orbit.
Mr. Weir said that highway litter was an increasing problem. A more
effective means of combating it had to be found. He said that the results of
this year's program along the Trans-Canada Highway would be evaluated to
guide future action.

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