Recycling On the Go: Divert NS Expands Beverage Container Recycling Bin Program

Every day, Nova Scotians consume beverages in aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass containers, and cartons. While these containers may seem disposable, they are valuable recyclable resources that can be transformed into new products instead of ending up in landfills. Through Divert NS’ Beverage Container Recycling Program, Nova Scotians have been leading the way in beverage container recovery for nearly three decades.

While many beverage containers are recycled at home, a significant opportunity exists in public spaces where people consume beverages on the go. Parks, sports fields, golf courses, arenas, and community events generate large numbers of beverage containers, but without convenient recycling options, these containers can end up in garbage bins or become litter. Expanding access to dedicated collection bins helps capture these valuable materials, keep public spaces cleaner, and ensure more containers are returned to the recycling system.

Supporting Communities with Free Beverage Container Collection Bins

To help increase beverage container recycling in public spaces and recreational areas and reduce the number of refundable containers ending up in landfills, Divert NS is offering free branded refundable beverage container collection bins to community organizations and recreation spaces across Nova Scotia.

The initiative began as a pilot project in summer 2025 with the Town of Truro, Village of Bible Hill, and Truro Golf Club. Following the success of the pilot, Divert NS has expanded the program to additional communities and recreation facilities this year.

The bins are designed to be highly visible, easy to use, and effective at capturing refundable beverage containers in public spaces. They can be placed in arenas, community centres, parks, sports fields, clubhouses, and other high-traffic locations where beverages are commonly consumed. By providing convenient recycling opportunities where people are already gathering, the bins help capture containers that might otherwise be discarded in regular waste bins.

In addition to improving recycling rates, the bins can support local fundraising efforts since the containers collected can be returned to an Enviro-Depot for refunds. Funds generated can be directed toward community programs, sports teams, facility improvements, and other local initiatives.

The bins come in three varieties to suit multiple purposes and organizations – the 23-gallon bins are suitable for offices and smaller indoor areas, whilst the Busch Renegade 50-gallon bins and the Clean River Promenade 51-gallon bins are suitable for outdoor recreation areas, golf courses, parks, and areas with high foot traffic alongside established waste disposal bins. 

Also available are metal brackets that attach to barrel style metal waste cans – these brackets make it easier for community members to collect refundable containers, rather than removing them from the garbage can.  

As the pilot continues, bin contents will be monitored and feedback from participants will be collected to determine how successful these bins are at capturing refundable containers. Feedback from participants will also be used to make any improvements if the pilot continues to expand across the province. 

Interested in bringing a refundable beverage container collection bin to your community space? Contact Kathryn Bremner at Divert NS to learn more about participating in the expanding pilot program at kbremner@divertns.ca.