New N.S. recycling regulations come into effect Monday

(Envato Elements)

There are changes to the way Nova Scotians recycle as regulations for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) come into effect across Nova Scotia.

The EPR regulations shift the operational and financial responsibility for recycling packaging and paper products to the companies that produce, import and sell them.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) says it has joined the program and will continue to provide curbside recycling collection for residential properties.

“Residents will have the same contracted service provider, collection day and customer supports available through 311 and the Halifax Recycles app,” a release from the municipality reads.

The regulations will determine acceptable recycling materials.

Residents can continue to recycle a list of materials across the province, with some items added or removed to the curbside recycling program.

New items accepted in blue recycling bags include:

• Multi-layer paper containers, such as:
• Plastic tubes, such as:
• Small plastic packaging, including:

Books and pots and pans will no longer be accepted but residents are encouraged to donate these items.

“If the alternate options are not possible, these items may be included in your curbside garbage collection,” the HRM release continues.

Items accepted at participating depot drop-off locations include:

• foam packaging (such as meat trays, takeout containers)
• flexible plastics (such as coffee or deli pouches, chip bags, bubble wrap, vacuum packaging, candy and snack wrappers and cereal liner bags)
• non-hazardous aerosol cans (food spray, hairspray, air fresheners, shaving cream)

Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization, will be responsible for collecting and processing materials under the EPR system.

Divert NS, the administrator, will oversee the program to ensure compliance with the provincial regulations.

Residents with questions or concerns are asked to call 311, visit halifax.ca/recycling or refer to the Halifax Recycles App.

Businesses may continue to deliver recyclables to the Halifax Recycling Facility at 20 Horseshoe Lake Dr.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page