Nova Scotia’s Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations Take Effect Dec. 1
On December 1, 2025, new provincial regulations shift recycling responsibility to producers in Nova Scotia. The Halifax Regional Municipality will maintain curbside services under the management of Circular Materials, with updated lists of accepted materials.
Provincial regulations for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are set to come into effect across Nova Scotia on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. These new rules shift the operational and financial responsibility for recycling packaging and paper products to the companies that produce, import, or sell them.
The Halifax Regional Municipality has opted into the EPR program. Residents can expect their current curbside recycling collection services to continue without interruption, maintaining the same service provider and schedule. Under the new system, Circular Materials is responsible for managing the collection and processing of materials, while Divert NS oversees compliance.
A key change for residents is the introduction of a consistent list of recyclable materials across the province starting Dec. 1, 2025. This standardization means that what can be recycled in one community will generally be accepted in another.
The updated guidelines include several changes to what is accepted in blue bag curbside recycling. New items now included are multi-layer paper containers such as cups, bowls, and cartons; plastic tubes like those used for toothpaste and deodorant; and small item plastic packaging including bottles and candy containers.
Conversely, some items previously accepted are no longer eligible for curbside pickup. Books and pots and pans will not be collected in the blue bag program after the effective date. Additionally, certain materials such as foam packaging, flexible plastics, and non-hazardous aerosol cans must be taken to participating depot drop-off locations rather than placed in curbside bins.
Businesses retain the option to deliver recyclables directly to the Halifax Recycling Facility located at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive in Bayers Lake.