♻️ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations Coming December 1, 2025

More recycling options. More consistency. Same curbside service for residents.

More information: Recycle more at Nova Scotia drop-off locations | Circular Materials

On Monday, December 1, 2025, Nova Scotia’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations take effect. These changes shift the responsibility for recycling packaging and paper products to the companies that produce or sell them.

The Municipalities of Clare, Digby, Argyle, and the Town of Digby have opted into the new system, meaning curbside recycling will continue exactly as it does now — same provider, same collection day, same Recycle Coach app, and Waste Check support.

Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit, will now manage the recycling system, with oversight from Divert NS.

🆕 What’s Changing?

You’ll see a consistent list of recyclables across the province. Some new items will be added to your blue bag, and a few items will be removed.

🆕 New Items Accepted in Blue Bag Curbside Recycling

Multi-layer paper containers:
• Paper beverage cups (hot & cold)
• Ice cream cartons
• Cookie dough spiral cans
• Frozen juice spiral cans
• Potato chip spiral cans

Plastic tubes:
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hand cream

Small plastic packaging:
• Bottles/pumps
• Candy & gum containers
• Pails
• Garden pots
• Seedling trays

❌ No Longer Accepted in Curbside Recycling

• Books (still great to donate or reuse!)

♻️ Items Accepted at Participating Depot Drop-Off Locations

• Foam packaging (meat trays, takeout containers)
• Flexible plastics (chip bags, bubble wrap, cereal liners, snack wrappers, etc.)
• Non-hazardous aerosol cans (food spray, hairspray, air fresheners)

🔔 IMPORTANT: Depot Drop-Off Is Not Mandatory

We encourage residents to use the depot drop-off system when possible, as it helps keep more material out of the landfill.

However, depot drop-off is completely optional.
If the depot system is not convenient or accessible for you, these items can still go in your regular curbside garbage collection.

Waste Check will continue sharing updates as the provincial depot system grows and evolves.

🗑️ Recycling Routine for Residents

Your day-to-day recycling routine does not change:
• Continue using blue bags
• Set them out on your regular collection day
• Contact Waste Check with any questions
• Please be patient as the app and sorting guide are updated during this transition