New N.S. recycling system shifts responsibility to producers

Beginning Dec. 1, businesses across the province will assume responsibility for funding and managing the recycling of paper and plastic packaging products.

The shift comes as other provinces have already implemented, or are looking towards implementing, a similar model.

Circular Materials – a producer-led not-for-profit organization operating in Nova Scotia – says extended producer responsibility marks “a major milestone in modernizing the province’s recycling system.”

“Nova Scotia has a long history of leadership in waste diversion, and this critical step builds on this experience and strengthens that legacy,” Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials, said in a press release. “Through EPR, we are creating a more consistent, modern recycling system that expands what residents can recycle, improves material recovery, and advances a circular economy that benefits people, communities, and the environment.”

The transition to extended producer responsibility will begin on Dec. 1. At this time, Circular materials will assume responsibility for the residential recycling program across the province and will begin collecting recyclable materials from multi-family dwellings, schools and campgrounds throughout the province.

“This is an important milestone for our province,” Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said in a press release. “One of the best ways to cut down on what ends up in landfills is through extended producer responsibility programs. This approach helps build a stronger circular economy by encouraging producers to design products and packaging that are easier to recycle, repair, and reuse.”

The list of items that can be recycled has also been expanded. Hot and cold beverage cups, pet food bags, frozen juice containers, and other paper packaging, as well as plastic packaging such as toothpaste tubes, hand cream tubes, and deodorant sticks, can all be put to the curb in blue bags.

Circular Materials says it is also partnering with a network of Eastern Recyclers Association Enviro-Depots for the collection of foam packaging, flexible plastics such as candy wrappers and chip bags, and aerosol containers, available for recycling at participating drop-off locations. Participating locations can be found on its website.

The not-for-profit says it is working with Divert NS, municipalities and Mi’kmaq partners to ensure an inclusive and seamless transition.

“This is a truly collaborative effort,” Andrew Philopoulos, managing director for Atlantic Canada at Circular Materials, said. “We’ve engaged extensively with municipalities, First Nations, and Divert NS to build a unified approach that strengthens recycling performance and supports communities through this important change.”