On this page...
- Electronics
- Lamps
- Batteries
- Paint
- Used Tires
- Used Oil Return
- Milk Packaging
- Newspapers
- Medical Needles, Syringes or Lancets
- Expired Medication
Electronics
In 2008 televisions, desktop, laptop and notebook computers, computer components and computer printers were added to the list of materials banned from landfills and incinerators in Nova Scotia within the Solid Waste Resource Management Regulations. In 2009 the list was further expanded to include computer scanners, audio video playback and recording systems, telephones and fax machines, cell phones and other wireless devices. In 2023 the Nova Scotia regulated Expanded Producer Responsibility (EPR) program further expanded the list to include small household electric appliances.
As such brand owners who sell, offer for sale or otherwise distribute these electronic products in or into the province are responsible for operating or designating a third party to operate an electronic product stewardship program. All approved electronic product stewardship programs must establish a process for collection, transportation, reuse and recycling of electronic products and, if no further options exist, disposal of any residual electronic product components. Programs must also incorporate the principles of a pollution prevention hierarchy by replacing disposal with reuse and recycling of electronic products.
All electronic product stewardship programs must be authorized by the Minister, Department of Environment and Climate Change. Nova Scotia currently has 1 approved electronic stewardship program (run by the Electronic Products Recycling Association - Nova Scotia).
For more information on accepted electronics, see What's Accepted - Recycle My Electronics Nova Scotia.
- Display Devices, Desktop & Portable Computers, Computer Peripherals, Vehicle audio/video systems (aftermarket), Home Theatre In-A-Box (HTB) Systems, Home Audio/Video Systems, External Storage Drives & Modems, Desktop & Portable Scanners, Global Positioning System (GPS) Personal Portable and Vehicle (aftermarket), Personal Care Appliances, Time & Weight Measurement Devices, Air-treatment Appliances (excludes Air Conditioners), Small & Full-Size Cleaning Appliances, Garment Care appliances, Phones (Telephones, Cellular, Smart Phone Devices, Pagers), Electronic Readers & Video Game Devices (Consoles, Handheld Devices and Controllers), Desktop Printers/Multi-Function Devices), Personal/Portable Audio/Video Systems, Countertop Appliances
Lamps
On 1 January 2025, lamps and lighting products will be banned from disposal in landfills. On 1 February 2024, pursuant to the Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations, Product Care Association of Canada, on behalf of its registered Nova Scotia lamp members submitted, a lamp stewardship program plan to the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The approved program plan EPR for Lighting is due to start 1 August 2024.
Lamp products are defined as:
Replaceable light source designed to produce light from electricity and includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
- fluorescent tubes
- compact fluorescent lamps
- high-intensity discharge lamps
- incandescent lamps
- light-emitting diode lamps
Batteries
On 1 January 2025, batteries will be banned from landfill disposal in Nova Scotia. There are currently two authorized stewardship plans that have been approved by the Department of Environment and Climate Change. As of 1 July 2024, the Regulated Battery EPR Program has come into effect, making Nova Scotia the 7th province in Canada to enact regulations for the safe and responsible collection of household batteries.
Call2Recyle accepts household batteries that weigh less than 5kg in its program.
The Canadian Battery Association (CBA) program accepts consumer lead-acid, alkaline and others (cell phone, lithium, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride). The CBA also accepts small powersport and automotive lead batteries. Large Industrial Lead batteries such as large Motive and Stationary batteries should contact their suppliers or one of the recyclers listed on the CBA's Recycle My Battery Website.
Paint
Within the Solid Waste Resource Management Regulations, brand owners who sell, offer for sale or otherwise distribute a consumer paint product in Nova Scotia must operate a consumer paint product stewardship program or enter into an industry stewardship agreement with the Resource Recovery Fund Board (RRFB) for the Board to operate a consumer paint product stewardship program on the brand owner’s behalf.
All consumer paint product stewardship programs must be authorized by the Minister, Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Used Tires
Tires sold within the province of Nova Scotia are diverted from landfill disposal through a program operated by the RRFB (Divert Nova Scotia). As per the NS Solid Waste Resource Management Regulations, no tire retailer may supply a new tire in the province unless the retailer has entered into an industry stewardship agreement with Divert Nova Scotia.
An environmental fee is applied to on-road passenger tires at the point of purchase. Visit the Divert website for a list of environmental fees.
Used Oil Return
The Atlantic Used Oil Management Association in Nova Scotia is the steward for collection, processing and user awareness program for used oils, used glycol (antifreeze), used oil and glycol (antifreeze) containers with a capacity of 50 litres or less (including used lubricant aerosol and brake cleaner containers) and used filters, on behalf of its members.
For more information follow the links below.
Milk Packaging
In Nova Scotia, milk producers voluntarily take responsibility for the end of life management of the fluid milk packaging they produce in the province. Through a stewardship agreement
(PDF:16k)
the Department of Environment and Climate Change, The Atlantic Dairy Council and the 7 solid waste management regions (as established under the solid waste resource management regulations), the costs of recycling milk packaging are borne by the producers rather than by taxpayers.
This program seeks to:
- integrate recycling considerations into the manufacturing and packaging process,
- provide technical research into reprocessing waste materials
- provide funding assistance for municipal solid waste management as it relates to milk packaging recycling
- integrate secondary resources into the manufacturing and/or packaging process
- provide industry leverage to enable the recycling message to reach the entire audience of potential recycling participants
- maintain an ongoing information scan and research process to ensure that all pertinent information with respect to reduction, reuse, and recycling is maintained
- Ongoing public relations to ensure that the recycling process will succeed in the long term
Newspapers
The Department of Environment and Climate Change and the publishers of daily and community newspapers are committed to the reduction of waste, increased recovery of newsprint and the importance of public education to support municipal recycling and waste reduction. The province has an industry stewardship agreement with producers and marketers of newspapers distributed in Nova Scotia.
This agreement is designed to address the defined objectives by building on the strength of the newspaper industry in communications and social marketing.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change and Nova Scotia Newspapers have entered into a stewardship agreement effective 1 May 2021 and scheduled to end 30 April 2026.
Medical Needles, Syringes or Lancets
The Safe Sharps Bring Back Program offers those who use needles, syringes or lancets at home a safe method to dispose of used sharps. The program is administered by the Pharmacy Association of NS. The Safe Sharps program is funded by Nova Scotia's pharmacies, sharps manufacturers and medication distributors.
The Safe Sharps program doesn't include used sharps from any commercial enterprises including medical, dental or veterinary clinics, home care professionals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or farms. To properly dispose of these types of sharps, please contact your respective professional association.
Expired Medication
Pharmacies in Nova Scotia can accept any unused or expired medications for safe disposal. This includes any over the counter or prescribed medications, including narcotics and other controlled medications.
The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) administers a Medication Disposal Program.
You can return any unused or expired medications to any community pharmacy where they can be disposed of.