Expanded Programs to Keep More Waste from Landfills

Nova Scotians will be able to recycle used oil and glycol and more electronics next year through expanded extended producer responsibility programs.

“Nova Scotians are national leaders in keeping unnecessary waste out of our landfills and we want it to stay that way,” said Environment Minister Margaret Miller. “That’s why we are requiring industry to recycle more products.”

With changes to the Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations, industry must be ready with programs to recycle new products by Jan. 1.

“We recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and support the province’s work to promote a clean environment through thoughtful regulations,” said Bill Simpkins, spokesperson for the Canadian Fuels Association. “A clean environment is good business. It makes sense to give products a second life and to keep them out of the landfill and the natural environment.”

In addition to the industry recycling programs, effective March 1, 2020, the following products will be banned from landfills:
— microwaves
— e-book readers
— GPS devices
— video game systems and controllers
— external hard drives, optical drives, and modems
— used oil, oil filters, and oil containers
— glycol, which is a coolant, and glycol containers

The affected industries must develop or expand recycling programs for these products.

The Electronic Products Recycling Association has been running Nova Scotia’s electronics recycling program for the past 10 years. It will expand its program to recycle the new products.

The Used Oil Management Association runs a used oil and glycol program in other provinces. It will expand its program into Nova Scotia to recycle these products.

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Source : Media Release