{"id":60085,"date":"2025-11-06T13:04:39","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T17:04:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelaker.ca\/?p=60085"},"modified":"2025-11-06T13:04:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T17:04:39","slug":"circular-materials-launches-extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-and-paper-in-n-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/?p=60085","title":{"rendered":"Circular Materials launches extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper in N.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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HALIFAX\/EAST HANTS:<\/strong> Circular Materials, a producer-led not for profit organization operating in Nova Scotia, will launch extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and paper on December 1, 2025, marking a major milestone in modernizing the province\u2019s recycling system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To celebrate this transition, Circular Materials was joined today by Divert NS, government officials, municipal and First Nations partners, and industry representatives at an event held at Halifax City Hall.\u00a0\u00a0
EPR represents a fundamental shift in how recycling is managed in Nova Scotia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under this model, producers \u2013 the businesses that supply packaging and paper to residents \u2013 will fund and manage the collection and recycling of these materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach enhances efficiency, drives innovation, and ensures materials are collected, recycled, and reintroduced into the economy to be used again and again.\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNova Scotia has a long history of leadership in waste diversion, and this critical step builds on this experience and strengthens that legacy,\u201d said Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials. \u201cThrough EPR, we are creating a more consistent, modern recycling system that expands what residents can recycle, improves material recovery, and advances a circular economy that benefits people, communities, and the environment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Beginning December 1, Nova Scotia will transition to EPR, with Circular Materials assuming responsibility for the residential recycling program across the province. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of this transition, Circular Materials will also begin collecting recyclable materials from multi-family dwellings, schools, and campgrounds throughout Nova Scotia.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program will maintain Nova Scotia\u2019s familiar dual-stream blue bag system, keeping recycling easy and accessible for all residents, while introducing a uniform material list to ensure residents in every community can recycle the same materials consistently.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The updated list expands the types of materials accepted in the program to include hot and cold beverage cups, pet food bags, frozen juice containers, and other paper packaging, as well as plastic packaging such as toothpaste tubes, hand cream tubes, and deodorant sticks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Circular Materials is also partnering with a network of Eastern Recyclers Association Enviro-Depots for the collection of foam packaging, flexible plastics such as candy wrappers and chip bags, and aerosol containers, available for recycling at participating drop-off locations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is an important milestone for our province,\u201d said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne of the best ways to cut down on what ends up in landfills is through extended producer responsibility programs. This approach helps build a stronger circular economy by encouraging producers to design products and packaging that are easier to recycle, repair, and reuse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We\u2019ll keep working with municipalities, the recycling sector, and Nova Scotians as this program rolls out to make sure it\u2019s effective and sustainable supporting a greener future for all Nova Scotians.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Circular Materials is working closely with Divert NS, municipalities, and Mi\u2019kmaq partners \u2013 the Confederacy of Mainland Mi\u2019kmaq and the Union of Nova Scotia Mi\u2019kmaq \u2013 to ensure an inclusive and seamless transition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a truly collaborative effort,\u201d said Andrew Philopoulos, Managing Director, Atlantic Canada, Circular Materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve engaged extensively with municipalities, First Nations, and Divert NS to build a unified approach that strengthens recycling performance and supports communities through this important change.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cNova Scotia\u2019s move to EPR represents a new era for recycling in our province,\u201d said Stacy Breau, CEO, at Divert NS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThrough our collaboration with key partners in the waste management industry across the province, we expect a smooth transition that delivers improved outcomes for residents, municipalities, and the environment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of broader system modernization, Circular Materials has recently announced the development of a new state-of-the-art pre-conditioning recycling facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The facility, owned and operated by REgroup, part of the Municipal Group of Companies, will serve both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and is expected to be operational in early 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located near the Burnside Industrial Park (Halifax Regional Municipality), the facility will feature advanced sorting technologies, including near-infrared (NIR) optical sorters and advanced imaging systems, to increase recovery rates and improve material quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Funded by producers under the EPR framework, this investment will benefit residents and communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis facility reflects the forward-thinking collaboration that defines our approach,\u201d added Langdon. \u201cBy investing in advanced infrastructure, we\u2019re helping ensure that more materials remain in circulation and continue to deliver environmental and economic value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Together, we\u2019re strengthening Nova Scotia\u2019s recycling system for the long term.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key facts about Nova Scotia\u2019s EPR transition: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n