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 (RSCs), or the private sector. Frequency of pick up and curbside bag/cart/bin requirements may differ  amongst regions. 
• Composting of organic waste is accomplished through a series of commissions and private approved composting facilities or backyard composting. 
• Recycling of waste is accomplished through a series of regulated programs managed by producer responsible organizations that are overseen by Recycle NB and voluntary programs managed by commissions and some industries. 
• Disposal of waste is the responsibility of each commisison. This waste may be taken directly to a commisionlandfill 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

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Only asbestos waste generated within New Brunswick can be disposed of in New Brunswick landfills. 

Friable asbestos waste refers to material that can be readily crumbled or reduced to dust and contains more than 1% asbestos fibres by weight. Non-friable asbestos is tightly bound and not easily crumbled by hand. It does not require special disposal. 

Friable asbestos waste can become airborne and inhaled, so extreme care is required during the removal, transportation, and disposal. Common examples include the sprayed-on or plaster-based material used for insulating, fireproofing, or decorative purposes. 

Follow WorkSafe New Brunswick’s guidelines for safe handling of asbestos.  

Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at the following landfills by appointment: 

• Capital RSC — Fredericton Landfill
• Fundy RSC — Crane Mountain Landfill
• Northwest RSC — Waste Managment Service Landfill
• Southwest NB RSC — Hemlock Knoll Landfill
• Southeast NB RSC — Eco360 Landfill 
• Chaleur RSC — Red Pine Landfill

Asbestos waste must be wetted, placed in either: 

• double-bagged 6 mil polyethylene bags, securely tied, or   
• a single 6 mil polyethylene bag, securely tied and placed inside a drum or standard size cardboard box with all seams securely taped

Each container must be clearly labeled “WASTE ASBESTOS UN 2590” or “DÉCHETS D’AMIANTE UN2590”. If a bag is punctured, the contents must be rewetted and repackaged before disposal.  

Personnel handling asbestos waste must wear appropriate respirators and protective clothing during the unloading and disposal. Unloading the vehicle is the responsibility of the driver or helper.