Nova Scotia’s Transition to Producer Responsibility

On August 1, 2023, the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change approved the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging, Paper Products and Packaging-Like Products Regulations. The extended producer responsibility (EPR) program will launch December 1, 2025.

Our recycling program is now managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Nova Scotia.

Click here to visit Circular Materials’ website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this transition mean for residents?

Under the EPR program, residents will continue to receive similar curbside recycling services with changes intended to enhance their recycling daily routine. Details regarding any updates will be communicated to residents through a robust promotion and education strategy. As Circular Materials continues to enhance Nova Scotia’s recycling system, they will work to expand the list of accepted materials, such as flexible plastics, giving Nova Scotians the opportunity to recycle more materials curbside or through a network of depots. For more information, residents can visitcircularmaterials.ca/NS.

Why the transition is important

Historically, Nova Scotia’s recycling programs were operated by municipalities who shared the costs with producers. Now, under the Regulations, Nova Scotia is transitioning to a new model where producers are fully responsible for operating and funding the entire recycling program.

On December 1, 2025, Nova Scotians can expect a convenient, consistent, and effective recycling system in place that will improve recycling rates. This includes a consistent list of recyclable materials across the province.

This new system operated by Circular Materials represents the evolution from product stewardship to circular economy where materials are collected, recycled and used again as recycled content in new packaging and products.

What does extended producer responsibility (EPR) mean?

EPR is a framework in which producers – the businesses that supply paper and packaging to residents – are responsible for managing the end-of-life management of these materials. EPR enables innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels, and access to materials. It is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates.

What advantages are associated with this new system?

EPR is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates andadvance a circular economy where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producersfor use as recycled content in new products and packaging.

Who is Circular Materials?

Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that builds efficient and effective recycling systems where materials are collected, recycled and returned to producers to use asrecycled content in new packaging and paper. As the producer responsibility organization (PRO)for packaging and paper in Nova Scotia, Circular Materials is responsible for operating the new recycling system. They are committed to increasing recycling rates across Nova Scotia andensuring more materials are looped into the circular economy, benefiting both people and theenvironment. Learn more about Circular Materials at circularmaterials.ca/NS.

Where is Circular Materials located?

The head office of Circular Materials is in Toronto. The organization has employees across thecountry with local knowledge and expertise, including some who are from and based in NovaScotia.

Why is Circular Materials managing our recycling program?

Historically, Nova Scotia’s packaging and paper recycling program was operated and funded by municipalities. Now, under the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging, Paper Products and Packaging-Like Products Regulations, Nova Scotia is transitioning to a new model where brand owners – the organizations that produce packaging and paper materials – are 100% responsible for operating and funding recycling the province’s program. Circular Materials is the organization responsible for ensuring producers meet their regulatory requirements.

What does this transition mean for Nova Scotia municipalities and First Nations communities?

Nova Scotia is moving to EPR as per the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging, Paper Products and Packaging-Like Products Regulations. EPR is recognized as one ofthe most effective ways to improve recycling rates and advance a circular economy wherematerials are looped back into the recycling system to be used again and again.

Under the Regulation, the financial and operational responsibility for recycling system will shift from municipalities to producers. To support a seamless transition for residents, Circular Materials has been working closely with municipalities and First Nation communities transitioning to EPR on December 1, 2025.

Under the EPR program, residents will continue to receive similar curbside recycling serviceswith changes intended to enhance their recycling daily routine. Details regarding any updates will be communicated to residents through a robust promotion and education strategy. As we continue to enhance Nova Scotia’s recycling system, we will work to expand the list of acceptedmaterials, giving Nova Scotians the opportunity to recycle more materials curbside or through a network of depots.

Find Out About Your Personal Waste Collection Calendar

The Town of Antigonish separates solid waste from recyclables and compostables. Curbside collection takes place on an alternating, bi-weekly basis for those residents living in dwellings containing four units or less. Collection for those living in larger, multi-unit complexes as well as the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors are currently not part of the curbside collection program and must make their own arrangements for the transport and disposal of their materials. 

Curbside collection of garbage and organic 'green cart' material takes place every two weeks with the collection of recyclables on the alternate week.

As a resident of Antigonish would you like to receive a waste collection calendar specific to your civic address? If so, please provide your civic address.

New Resident & Tenant Waste Management Information

The Town understands that with any move to a new area there can be questions regarding services and responsibilities. The Town takes pride in our waste management program. The cooperation of our residents plays a major role in the success of our program. The following information is intended to provide some guidance and contact information to assist with waste management at your place of residence. 

  pdf Click to download the New Resident & Tenant Waste Management Guide.(564 KB)

  pdf Click to download the Waste Sorting Guide. (564 KB)

• pdf Curbside Calendar 2025(244 KB)
• pdf Curbside Calendar 2024(230 KB)
• pdf Town Residential Collection Sorting Guide(465 KB)
• pdf Collection route schedule(1.50 MB)
• Divert Nova Scotia ( formerly RRFB Nova Scotia)
• pdf Tenant Move Out Guide(260 KB)

Household Hazardous Waste

Do you have household hazardous waste that you are unsure how to dispose of safely? These can be leftover or unwanted products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients. Proper disposal of these items protects you and the environment.

The Town and Municipality of the County of Antigonish have established a permanent drop-off location for residents of Antigonish. The facility is located at 1356 Beech Hill Road. The facility is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Materials must be brought in its original container packaged in an upright position. View the poster below to see a list of items that are accepted. If you have any questions, please phone the Town of Antigonish Waste hotline at 902-863-4949, Eastern Region Solid Waste Management at 902-870-2817 or the Beech Hill Waste Management Facility at 902-863-4744.   

Batteries

Please return rechargeable batteries that are no longer of use to your place of purchase. Household batteries (alkaline, carbon-zinc, lithium, mercury, silver, and zinc) can now be placed at curbside. put the batteries in a small bag, (i.e. zippered sandwich bag), and place the bag on top of, or next to, your green organics cart. We have made arrangements for the batteries to be collected and transported for proper disposal.

Electronics Recycling 

As of June 1, 2024, the following products will be accepted for electronics recycling with the Electric Products Recycling Association in Nova Scotia. To find a drop-off location, visit: https://recyclemyelectronics.ca/ns.