ActivitiesNova Scotia’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling program is now in effect. This means that the companies that manufacture, sell or import paper and packaging are now responsible for recycling these products. This is intended to reduce waste at the source by motivating companies to create products that can be recycled, reused or reclaimed more easily, keeping them out of landfills.
Those companies have contracted Circular Materials to manage that responsibility. Circular Materials is a national non-profit organization that focuses on advanced recycling systems. They manage the collection, processing, and recycling of packaging and paper products into new materials.
What’s Changing in the Municipality of Chester?
The Municipality of Chester has opted into the EPR program, allowing us to:
- Continue collecting residential curbside recyclables; and
- Continue providing customer service for recycling.
What to Expect as a Resident
- Your curbside recyclables collection service will remain the same.
- Improved diversion rates and better access to recycling services.
Recycling is now more consistent across Nova Scotia, with a standardized list of accepted materials. Residents can recycle the same materials no matter where they live. New items accepted in curbside recycling bags include:
- Multi-layer paper containers, such as:
- paper cups (including disposable paper hot and cold beverage cups)
- ice cream cartons
- cookie dough spiral cans
- frozen juice spiral cans
- potato chip spiral cans
- Plastic tubes, including:
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- hand cream containers
- Small item plastic packaging, such as:
- bottles/pumps
- candy/gum containers
- pails
- garden pots
- seedling trays
In addition, Circular Materials is partnering with the Eastern Recyclers Association Enviro-Depots™ to collect foam packaging, flexible plastics like candy wrappers and chip bags, and aerosol containers, at participating drop-off locations. Learn more about depots here.
