Solid waste management

Solid waste comes from two sectors: the residential and the industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI).

Waste may be recycled, composted or disposed of in landfills as garbage. The management of this waste is a shared responsibility.

• Collection of waste is provided by local governments, regional service commissions, or the private sector. Frequency of pick up and curbside bag/cart/bin requirements may differ between regions.
• Recycling of waste is accomplished through a series of regulated and voluntary programs managed by the provincial government, Recycle NB, the regional service commissions and some industries.
• Disposal of waste is the responsibility of each regional service commission. This waste may be taken directly to a landfill or brought to a transfer station before being transported to a landfill.

For information on solid waste services available in your area, check with your regional service commission.

Approximate composition (%) of waste in the province.

Construction, renovation and demolition material generated in both the residential and ICI sectors is unique in that it poses little risk to the environment. These materials may be disposed of at an approved site at a reduced rate due to lower operational costs at these sites.

Some types of this material may be reused (i.e., wood), while others may be repurposed as clean fill (i.e., concrete and brick).

The materials listed below may be disposed of at an approved site rather than landfilling: 

• concrete, brick and untreated wood
• siding, ceiling tile, gypsum board and insulation
• asbestos that is not friable asbestos
• solid roofing materials such as asphalt shingles
• glass from doors and windows
• metal, wood, fibreglass, and durable plastic structural materials
• wiring and incandescent light fixtures that do not contain fluorescent tubing/lighting
• toilets, bathtubs, wash basins and plumbing fixtures
• floor coverings attached to a building during demolition
• broken and aged asphalt or chip seal pavement
• any mixture of the materials listed above
• other inert material approved by the department that has been obtained during the construction, renovation or demolition of a building or structure