Nova Scotia’s Recycling Revolution: EPR for PPP Brings Circular Economy to Life

For nearly 30 years, Divert NS has been a leader in championing waste reduction and diversion in Nova Scotia through the management of the beverage container and used tire recycling programs, as well as various funding and education initiatives. 

In 2023, Divert NS was entrusted by the Nova Scotia government with another important role within Nova Scotia’s waste management landscape, which is to act as the Administrator for the Extended Producer Responsibility program for Packaging, Paper Products, and Packaging-Like Products (or EPR for PPP) Regulations.

Over the last two years, Divert NS has been dedicated to building a new EPR Oversight division. Through collaboration with key stakeholders, including producers, government, and municipalities, Divert NS has been working hard to ensure the regulatory outcomes of the program are achieved, and producers are informed and supported. 

Today, December 1, 2025, is the official implementation date for EPR for PPP in Nova Scotia. The program launches province wide and introduces a standardized approach to curbside recycling for all Nova Scotians. The EPR for PPP Regulations change how recycling is managed in Nova Scotia and represents a fundamental shift to a more circular economy. 

What is EPR for PPP and how will it lead Nova Scotia to a more circular economy?

The new EPR for PPP regulations shift responsibility for managing packaging and paper waste (i.e. curbside blue bag recyclables) from municipalities and taxpayers to those that supply the products into the province. The responsibility and cost of collecting, sorting and processing recyclables from the curb will now fall on the producers of packaging and paper of products. This will help incentivize producers to design and create more sustainable packaging. Producers are also responsible for meeting diversion targets that will help ensure the material that is collected is sent for recycling.

Who are the producers?

Producers are any entity/business/person who supplies paper or packaging to consumers. In Nova Scotia, small businesses or producers that supply less than one (1) tonne of packaging or paper, or who have revenues less than one million dollars per year in the province are exempt from the regulations.

How will producers collect, sort and process recyclables?

A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) is an organization that works on behalf of all producers to facilitate and manage curbside recycling programs. Circular Materials is the registered PRO in Nova Scotia. Across most of Nova Scotia, Circular Materials has contracted municipalities to facilitate blue bag collection services. In this case, municipalities who have opted to become a service provider will receive payment from Circular Materials to cover their costs related to collection.

What is Divert NS’ role?

As a part of the role as the Administrator, Divert NS is responsible for oversight and ensuring compliance of the EPR for PPP regulations by all those involved including producers and processors. Divert NS also manages a Registry which hosts all the data related to the EPR for PPP Regulations.

What is the benefit to the consumer?

One of the biggest benefits to Nova Scotians is the standardization of recycling across the province, eliminating confusion about what goes where. Previously, what was accepted in blue bags often differed from municipality to municipality. Now, accepted blue bag items will be the same across Nova Scotia.

While there are some additional materials being added to blue bags, Nova Scotians should expect minimal change in their curbside recycling experience. There are some new items being accepted at participating depots or drop-off locations. 

Click here to learn more about what is now accepted in blue bags province wide.