Understanding Nova Scotia's Waste

A deep dive into the province's landfills provides valuable insights and identifies areas for improved waste diversion.

Graphic with Divert NS logo and photo of man wearing a hard hat and face mask looking at a clipboard. Text says: Nova Scotia's Landfill Waste Audit 2023, Conducted by Stratzer

Nova Scotia's Landfill Waste Audit

Divert NS is committed to improving the province's environment, economy, and quality of life by working with Nova Scotians to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover resources. 

To fulfill its mission, Divert NS requires in-depth understanding of landfill composition and the quantities of material sent to landfills in the province. This knowledge enables Divert NS and our partners to develop targeted waste reduction strategies to identify opportunities for resource recovery.

Read the full report here
Province-wide landfill composition graph: Organics make up 19%, Fibre: 19%, Textiles: 18%, Plastics: 16%, Other: 15%, Construction & Demolition: 7%, and Special Care Waste: 6%

What's in Nova Scotia's Landfill?

Waste audits are a useful tool to gather information about how well we, as Nova Scotians, are doing to keep valuable recyclable materials out of our landfills. When we know what materials are ending up in landfill that shouldn't be there, we can do something about it.

The 2023 waste audit shows that over half of what's in Nova Scotia's landfills could have been recycled or composted. Organics were the number one material found in landfills across the province. Organics consist of material like food scraps, leaf and yard waste, and dirty napkins. When organic material ends up in the landfill it releases harmful methane gas. Methane gas is a key contributor to climate change. Luckily, Nova Scotia has excellent composting programs that turn our food scraps and other organics into a valuable resources.

Image of assorted containerized food such as cans and jars

Did you know?

The majority of food found in the landfill was still in its packaging. Remember to empty out your food containers so that you can compost the contents and recycle the containers.

Landfill Composition Comparison of 2017 audit vs 2023 audit

Small Changes Lead to Big Impacts

At Divert NS, we know that small changes add up to big impacts. Since the last waste audit conducted in 2017, there has been a 27% reduction in organic waste, and a 23% reduction in plastics ending up in Nova Scotia's landfills. 

The 2023 landfill waste audit also highlights areas for improvement. For example, there has been a significant increase in the amount of textiles and paper products (fibre) ending up in the landfill. Check out the resources below to learn how you can take action to reduce waste.

Take Action to Reduce Waste

Woman standing in front of mural with arms crossed

Learn From An Expert

Need help teaching about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling? Want to book a guest speaker for your classroom, business, or community group? Contact the local waste educator in your area. Their services are provided for free through funding from Divert NS.
Hand pouring a bucket of food scraps into a composting bin

Compost Right!

Food waste is a huge issue in Canada and around the world. When we throw away food, it can produce greenhouse gases, like methane, and represents a huge waste in resources. When disposing of organic waste, make sure it’s done right.
Large pile of assorted clothing

Recycling Your Textiles

Used clothes and household textiles, in any condition, can be recycled around the province through charitable donation drop-off locations, and some municipalities collect curbside.
Graphic with circles that says Swap, Share, Thrift, Repair

Swap, Share, Thrift, Repair

Swapping, sharing, thrifting, and repairing items, rather than buying new, are easy ways to reduce waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money, support your local community, and contribute to the circular economy.
Hand under water holding a white plastic fork

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse

While recycling is a great way to recover resources, it’s better to cut down on creating waste in the first place. With the Refuse, Reduce, Reuse philosophy, you can minimize your environmental impact significantly.
Children holding a full recycling bin outside

Divert NS' Learning Hub

Inspire change with engaging videos, free classroom materials, fun activities, as well as the latest from Waste Not News, with stories focused on environmental issues here in Nova Scotia and beyond.
Photo of a person sorting beverage containers into different bins

Find a Depot Near You

With more than 77 locations across Nova Scotia, there’s an Enviro-Depot™ closer to you than you think. Use the search below to find depots in your community. You can recycle beverage containers, textiles, electronics and more — accepted items will vary by location. 

Thank You to Our 2023 Waste Audit Sponsors

Sponsor logos: Carton Council, Municipal Group of Companies, EPRA, Circular Materials, Atlantic Used Oil Management Association, Sustane Technologies, Produce Care Recycling