FAQ Page

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How do I dispose of lightbulbs?

Compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes contain a small amount of mercury (about enough to fit on the tip of a ball point pen), and must be taken to a Management Centre. They can be disposed of for free. You can also visit Nova Scotia's Collection program website for program details and additional drop off locations. All other types of light bulbs can go in the garbage.

 

Can I recycle Styrofoam®?

Styrofoam® containers and packing inserts are accepted for recycling. Rinse clean if necessary; remove and dispose of lids, plastic, etc.

Structural foam from foundation insulation is not recyclable and goes in the clear bag garbage. Protective foam (used to cushion consumer products) is recyclable.

Styrofoam® Peanuts - are not recyclable and must be put in a clear garbage bag for disposal.

 

Can I throw my batteries in the garbage?

All batteries - including standard, watch, laptop and mobile phone batteries are accepted at the many retailers that participate in the Call2Recycle program and at a hazardous waste drop-off location. They can be brought to our Management Centres for free.

When disposing of lithium batteries, please ensure that they are dry and stored in a plastic bag so they cannot touch other batteries. Lithium batteries can cause fires. Please do not through them in the garbage as they could ignite in the garbage truck or on the tipping floor. Keep us safe!

How many bags can I put out for collection?

Please refer to our Curbside Collection page for more information on bag limits.

How do I dispose of cardboard?

You are allowed to put out 2 bundles of cardboard with your curbside collection, if it does not fit in a recycling bag. The bundles should not be larger than 3ft x 2ft x 1ft. If you are moving and have an excess of cardboard, you can bring the cardboard (it does not have to be bundled but must be flattened) to the public drop-offs at the management centres in either Kentville or Lawrencetown. The minimum fee is $10.00.

What do I put in my blue bags?

  • Blue Bag #1 is for paper products such as office paper, invoices, envelopes, newspapers, receipts, magazines, softcover books, paper egg cartons, beverage take-out trays, and shredded paper.
  • Blue Bag #2 is for containers such as plastics with recycling symbols #1 through #5 (all plastic containers like ice cream, yogurt, cake and cookie trays, shampoo bottles, cleaning fluid bottles, windshield washer containers etc)., metals, glass containers (please remove lids), milk & juice cartons and Tetra Paks. Metals include items such as foil plates and trays and tin/steel food cans. Foam Polystyrene trays, cups, egg cartons and blocks. Recyclables must be clean and dry and may be flattened to save room in the bag if desired.

Where are your Management Centres located?

Eastern Management Centre - 100 Donald Hiltz Connector, Kentville Business Park (Exit 14 on Hwy 101) Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday: 8:00am - Noon.

Western Management Centre - 343 Elliott Road, Lawrencetown (Exit 19 on Hwy 101) Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday: 8:00am - Noon (Closed Monday & Thursday)

Business Office - 90 Donald Hiltz Connector, Kentville Business Park (Exit 14 on Hwy 101) Monday - Friday: 8:40am - 4:30pm

 

Can I put pet waste in my green bin?

Kitty litter goes in your green bin.

Dog feces goes in your garbage bin. If contained in a bag, please remove as much air as possible from the bag. The reason is that when the bag is squeezed by the truck's compressor, trapped air can explode and propel the contents at workers and pedestrians.

My garbage was not collected, what do I do?

If your waste and green cart was sorted properly and at curbside by 7:00 a.m. BUT missed by the driver, contact our Hotline on 902 679 1325 to report the miss. If contacting us by e-mail at info@vwrm.com or leaving a message after hours, we require your name, civic address, and a daytime number where you can be reached. If your material was not out on time, you can hold it for your next collection or self haul to one of our Management Centres where a fee, based on weight, will be charged for disposal.

Ask us a Question

We are happy to answer any other waste management questions you may have.