Recycling

Learn about recycling programs led by the provincial government, regional service commissions and industry.

Overview

Most of what is thrown away could be diverted from landfills by remanufacturing or recycling. Recycling materials not only reduces our impact on the environment by reducing our dependance on raw materials but also creates employment opportunities and extends the life of our landfills.

We’ve known the 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for generations. 
 
Applying these rules in our daily practices reduces our waste and helps keep materials in the economy longer, a principle of the circular economy. Circular economy refers to recovering as much value as possible from waste and using it to produce new products. This increased volume of recycled material also reduces the need for the extraction or harvesting of raw materials, reducing the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) generated. Recycling in New Brunswick is achieved through provincial programs and other initiatives lead by municipalities, rural districts, Regional Service Commissions and some industry organizations.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach that extends industry’s responsibility for a product beyond production to include waste management of the product. This creates incentives to produce more environmentally friendly products that can be easily recycled or reused at end-of-life.

Solid waste management in New Brunswick

Star Regional landfill
Circle Transfer station
Pentagon Direct haul to adjacent regional landfill

Provincial recycling programs

Provincial recycling programs are overseen by Recycle NB which is  a Crown agency body under the Accountability and Continuous Improvement Act. Recycle NB’s mission is to manage waste reduction programs for designated materials and provide environmental stewardship for New Brunswick. Current programs include:

Industry and regional programs

Some industries offer waste diversion programs for the products they produce. Some programs currently offered in New Brunswick include:

  • Automobile batteries: Automobile batteries are subject to a core charge at sale and may be returned to the point of sale for a refund.
  • Pesticide containers: Cleanfarms operate a diversion program for unused pesticides, pesticide containers and seed bags.
  • Textiles and other household items: Drop off textiles at second-hand stores and bins throughout the province. Other reusable items may be dropped off at second-hand stores.
  • Bicycle tires: Can be brought to some local bike shops for recycling.
  • Household hazardous waste: Regional Service Commissions offer drop off sites at landfills or though mobile units during specified dates. Contact your local Regional Service Commission or visit their webpage for details.
  • Organics: Regional service commissions Southeast, Kent, Kings and Fundy offer curbside programs for organic waste while other provide information for composting at home. Visit your local Regional Commission for details.

Get help

For additional inquiries, you can contact us Monday to Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. 

Department of Environment and Local Government
Phone: 506-453-7945
Email: [email protected]