Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program for Packaging and Paper
Nova Scotia is transitioning to a new recycling model that shifts responsibility from municipalities to the producers of packaging and paper products. This change is part of the province’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative, starting on December 1, 2025.
Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit producer responsibility organization PRO) that manages where materials are collected, recycled and returned to producers for use as recycled content in new products and packaging. For more information, visit Circular Materials.
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) means that companies who make things like packaging and paper are also in charge of what happens to these items after we’re done using them. Instead of just throwing things away, this system encourages businesses to find better ways to recycle and reuse materials. For example, a soda company might design bottles that are easier to recycle. This helps create a “circular economy,” where old products become new ones instead of ending up in the trash.
What’s Changing in the Annapolis Valley region?
Valley Region Solid Waste Resource Management has joined the EPR program. This means we can keep collecting recycling from homes while saving money and helping the environment. The goal is to send less waste to landfills and cut down on garbage right from the start.
How does this affect residents in Kings and Annapolis Counties?
For residents in Kings and Annapolis Counties, this change brings more recycling options. You’ll still use your blue bags and follow sorting rules, but you’ll be able to recycle more items like disposable cups, pet food bags, toothpaste tubes, and frozen juice containers. Click here for a sorting guide. Sorting guides are available in several different languages on the Circular Materials website.
Are My Taxes Paying for This?
The cost of recycling will now be covered by the companies that produce packaging and paper. This shift encourages businesses to design packaging that’s easier to recycle and helps reduce waste. Your taxes, which are on average $200 annually per unit, cover the cost of curbside collection, bulky waste clean-up, and solid waste operations.
Unlimited Blue Bags and Cardboard for Residential Collection
Valley Waste Resource Management will continue to collect your recyclables curbside on behalf of Circular Materials, and there’s no limit to the number of blue bags you can put out or cardboard bundles. Just make sure everything is sorted properly — unsorted bags may be left behind.
Recycling Limits for the ICI/Business Sectors
Small business units who receive curbside collection will be allowed a maximum of 6 bags of recyclables (which includes bundled cardboard).
Same Sorting Rules Across Nova Scotia
One of the biggest benefits of this new system is consistency. No matter where you live in the province, the recycling rules will be the same. This makes it easier for everyone to recycle correctly.
How will collection work?
As of April 1st you will see two trucks traveling your road on collection day. One will pick up garbage and compost, and the other will collect recycling and cardboard. This helps keep materials separate and ensures better recycling.
What is recyclable?
To find out what else has been added to our recycling bags, see our sorting page or download the Recycle Coach app for free from Apple or Google Stores and access their What Goes Where section.
Moving Forward
Let’s work together to make recycling easier and better for everyone!
