Recycling Changes Launch: What it Means for Inverness County

December 1, 2025

Recycling Changes Launch Across the Province: What it Means for Inverness County

Starting December 1, Nova Scotia will launch a new residential recycling model that shifts responsibility from municipalities to the producers of packaging and paper products. This change is part of the province’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative, designed to divert more waste away from landfills.

Impacts in Inverness County

The Municipality of Inverness County has opted into the EPR program. Under this new model, recycling operations will now be overseen by Circular Materials, a national non-profit organization.

However, residents will not see any changes to their curbside collection routines. The Municipality will continue to provide residential curbside pickup and remains available to assist residents with questions about solid waste and recycling.

What’s New in Blue Bags

With the introduction of EPR, several new items can now be placed in blue bag recycling, including:

Blue Bag 1 (Paper):

• Paper laminate packaging, such as:
  • flour bags
  • pet food bags
  • popcorn bags
• Cardboard boxes, such as:
  • Pizza boxes
• Food wrappers, such as:
  • muffin wrappers
  • burger wrappers
  • sandwich wrappers
• Laminated paper

Blue Bag 2 (Plastics & containers):

• Multi-layer containers, such as:
  • hot and cold beverage cups (disposable coffee cups)
  • ice cream cartons
  • cookie dough spiral cans
  • frozen juice spiral cans
  • potato chip spiral cans
• Plastic tubes, including:
  • toothpaste
  • deodorant
  • hand cream containers
• Small item plastic packaging, such as:
  • bottles/pumps
  • candy/gum containers
  • pails
  • garden pots
  • seedling trays

For a detailed list of accepted materials, visit invernesscounty.ca/sortitout to view the Residential Curbside Collection Guide.

Items No Longer Accepted

Books will no longer be accepted in blue bag recycling. Residents are encouraged to donate them to local thrift stores. If this option is not suitable, books may be placed in regular curbside garbage (black bags).

Curbside Collection and Support

Curbside collection schedules and routines remain unchanged.

Residents with questions about collection in Inverness County can continue to contact the Municipality at waste@invernesscounty.ca or by calling 1-866-258-0223 (option 1).

To stay informed on schedules and sorting guidance, download the Recycle Cape Breton App for Android or iOS, or visit invernesscounty.ca/sortitout.