For additional information, contact Region of Queens Municipality’s Department of Infrastructure at 902-354-7170, or refer to Bylaw 13 – Solid Waste Management https://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/works/waste-management/ .
The 2026 Waste Management Guide is online; click here to download it.
The Recycling Guide and schedule from Circular Materials started appearing in local mail on December 19, 2025. Region of Queens Municipality’s Sorting Guide for Non-Recyclables, Compostables and Waste Collection Schedule can be found at: https://www.regionofqueens.com/municipal-services/works/waste-management/waste-collection-schedule/ and have been delivered by Canada Post to Queens County mailboxes.
** If you did not receive Region of Queens Municipality’s 2026 Waste Guide and Collection Schedule in the mail, and would like a paper copy mailed to you, please email solidwaste@regionofqueens.com , or call 902-354-7170 to request one.
The digital version of the Circular Materials flyers are on their website: https://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-communities/region-of-queens-municipality/
While the switch to clear bags for non recyclable waste begins on January 1, 2026, the Municipality will enforce the new requirements starting on July 1, 2026.
For more information, please go to: https://ngqenviro.ca/
Residences are permitted to use one opaque privacy bag per collection cycle, however the updated Bylaw 13: Solid Waste Management, small white bags, such as the ‘kitchen catchers’ cannot be placed curbside for collection. The bylaw states that the opaque bag must be black. Residents are able to put out up to six clear bags containing non-recyclable waste for collection cycle (or up to five clear bags plus an black privacy bag). Any bags containing waste within the clear bags must be clear – if you are using a small white bag to collect waste in your home, its contents can be emptied into the clean bag and the empty soiled bag can go in the clear bag as well.
The Province of Nova Scotia is actively reducing waste through its Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. Switching to clear bags promotes better sorting and recycling for a brighter future.
Transitioning to clear bags for waste is consistent with other municipalities across the country as it prioritizes the safety, health, and overall well-being of our community and employees who handle waste.
Most bags available in stores are acceptable – please be sure the bags used are durable to be placed curbside and not rupture before collection. Bylaw 13 states that the thickness allowed is 0.375 mil (the typical thickness of most bags).
Residences are permitted one opaque bag per collection cycle for personal hygiene items or permitted medical waste Additional ways to keep waste in clear bags private is to cover the clear bags with a tarp or other covering, or to place the clear bags in containers clearly marked with that the contents are (i.e.; NON-RECYCLABLE) for collection.
Residences may put out up to 6 bags of non-recyclable waste each regular collection day, and an unlimited number of blue bags of recyclable waste. One opaque privacy bag is permitted per household per collection day for personal hygiene items and/or medical waste only.
There is no limit of the number of bags for recyclable waste.
Residents are permitted to continuing using materials they have previously purchased during this transition phase. Residents are also encouraged to begin transitioning as soon as possible and reserving pre-purchased opaque bags for their privacy bag if required. Compliance enforcement will begin in July 2026.
Residents can utilize their pre-purchased opaque bags as privacy bags indefinitely.
For more information on recyclable materials, residents should refer to https://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-provinces/nova-scotia/
Residents participating in the free public drop off at the Queens Solid Waste Facility will be required to bring waste at the same ratio of 1 opaque bag for each 5 clear bags.
Pet waste is nonrecyclable and goes in clear bags. Many of the local grocery stores and other stores that stock garbage bags now carry clear bags in several sizes.
In the new enhanced recycling program, a few things have been identified as “Take to a Depot to Recycle”:
- Styrofoam (meat trays, take out containers, cups, foam packing, etc.)
- Flexible plastics (chip bags, snack wrappers, cling wrap, etc. )
- Aerosol containers (food spray, air freshener, shaving cream, etc.)
If a depot is not located near you or it is not convenient to take them there, these items can be disposed of as non recyclable waste for curbside collection.
More information can be found at https://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-provinces/nova-scotia/ .
Textiles and clothing can be dropped off at the various donation bins located throughout the region and at the Queens Solid Waste Management Facility. Clothing can also be put in clear bags as non-recyclable waste and put out for collection.
Compliance enforcement will begin in July 2026 after a six-month transition period. At that time, residents can prepare to see waste rejected curbside.
Yes, all bylaws are considered by Council at public meetings. The updated Solid Waste bylaw (Bylaw #13) was presented on October 28, 2025, and Council passed the bylaw on November 27, 2025.
Regarding recycling: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging, Printed Paper, and Packaging-like Products (PPP) was legislated by the province and it came into effect on December 1, with Circular Materials managing the new enhanced recycling program across Nova Scotia. All municipalities must take part in EPR for PPP – there was no option to opt out of this legislation for recycling. As of now, nine provinces and territories have implemented EPR for PPP.
Regarding Non-recyclables: The transition to clear bags for non recyclable waste, the number of bags, and whether to have a privacy bag was a decision of Council. Council approved the amendments to the Bylaw 13: Solid Waste Management o– which changed to reflect the transition to clear bags, sizes and colours of bags accepted for collection, number of bags accepted, addition of privacy bag, etc. At the time of approving Bylaw 13, RQM was one of only 3 municipalities in NS not using clear bags for non recyclable waste.
It is important to remember that both of these endeavours are intended to reduce waste in our landfills, reducing the impact to our natural assets, and were not intended to create an inconvenience for residents.
Under Section 102 of the Environment Act of Nova Scotia, burning of municipal solid waste has been banned since 1996.
Regarding recycling: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging, Printed Paper, and Packaging-like Products (PPP) was legislated by the province and it came into effect on December 1, 2025. All municipalities must take part in EPR for PPP – there was no option to opt out of this legislation for recycling. As of now, nine provinces and territories have implemented EPR for PPP.
Through its Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, the province of Nova Scotia is actively reducing waste. Circular Materials manages the new enhanced recycling program throughout Nova Scotia. All municipalities in Nova Scotia now have the same accepted materials for recycling, and all Municipalities in Nova Scotia no longer mange recyclable waste collection.
Regarding Non-recyclables: The transition to clear bags for non recyclable waste, the number of bags, and whether to have a privacy bag was a decision of Council. Region of Queens Municipality’s Council approved changes to bylaw 13: Solid Waste Management, which was updated to remove references to the Municipality overseeing recyclable waste management, as well as to change to clear bags for non-recyclable waste (previously, opaque bags were accepted for non-recyclable waste). Switching to clear bags promotes better sorting and recycling for a brighter future. Transitioning to clear bags for waste is consistent with other municipalities across the country as it prioritizes the safety, health, and overall well-being of our community and employees who handle waste. At the time of approving Bylaw 13, RQM was one of only 3 municipalities in NS not using clear bags for non recyclable waste.
It is important to remember that both of these endeavours are intended to reduce waste in our landfills, reducing the impact to our natural assets, and were not intended to create an inconvenience for residents.
Under the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, residents are encouraged to identify ways in which they can reduce the amount of waste they generate. Limiting the quantity of acceptable waste is one way in which we can reduce the amount of waste generated.
Items that are not soiled, such as irrigation syringes and empty saline bottles would go in a blue bag to be recycled. Soiled medical waste would go in the black privacy bag or in the clear bags. To help maintain privacy, clear bags can be placed in containers/garbage cans clearly marked “NON RECYCLABLE” or can be placed curbside and covered with a tarp or sheet/blanket. The contents of waste disposed is subject to inspection by employees and contractors but is also confidential and will not be shared beyond the scope of inspection for the purpose of compliance and waste reduction.
In the new enhanced recycling program, a few things have been identified as “Take to a Depot to Recycle”:
- Styrofoam (meat trays, take out containers, cups, foam packing, etc.)
- Flexible plastics (chip bags, snack wrappers, cling wrap, etc. )
- Aerosol containers (food spray, air freshener, shaving cream, etc.)
These materials are encouraged to be recycled through the EPR program, however these items can be placed in your garbage if necessary – if a depot is not located near you or taking them to a depot is not convenient.
Please consult with the R6 Recycles App to determine if the specific item is accepted as part of garbage collection. For the most up-to-date information on the proper disposal of recyclable materials, please contact Circular Materials – email: customerservice@circularmaterials.ca toll free: 1-877-667-2626 or check their website: circularmaterials.ca
| Materials | Where To Take It |
| Household Hazardous Waste (Residential Only) i.e. Solvents, gasoline, insecticides, pool chemicals, adhesives, tar, rechargeable batteries, etc. | Take to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot at the Solid Waste Facility. Open Saturdays 8am to 2pm – 3750 Highway 8 Queens Co. Phone 902-350-1084. Do not put out for curbside collection. |
| Waste Oil, oil filters & antifreeze | Household Hazardous Waste Depot at Solid Waste Facility. Service stations will receive Waste oil, filters and antifreeze as part of the Atlantic Used Oil Management Association. |
| Household Paints and Paint Aerosols (empty or full of contents) | Can be taken to the Solid Waste Facility. Can also be taken to the following Enviro Depot: New Germany Enviro Centre Mobile Depot, Caledonia on Saturdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm at 1888 Hibernia Rd. 902-644-7551. For Liverpool and area, the Queens Enviro Center is located at 3965 Sandy Cove Rd. in Brooklyn. Call 902-644-7551. Do not put out for curbside collection. |
| Marine flares, fireworks and ammunition (never throw in garbage) | Call your local detachment of the RCMP so these items can be disposed of safely. |
| Derelict vehicles (must be accessible) | Call Region of Queens Municipality 902-354-3455 for pick-up. |
| Sharps (syringes, needles and lancets) | Take back used sharps to any Pharmacy in a sharps container. Sharps containers are provided by the Pharmacy. Call 1-877-313-7732 for information. |
| Unused or expired medications (never throw in garbage or flush down toilet) | Take back to any Pharmacy or call 1-844-535-8889. |
| E-Waste i.e. Computers & all components, audio & video equipment, cellular and non-cellular phones, microwaves, GPS units and gaming systems | For E-waste in Liverpool & area, the Queens Enviro Center is located at 3965 Sandy Cove Rd. in Brooklyn. Call 902-644-7551. Can also be taken to the New Germany Enviro Centre Mobile Depot, Caledonia on Saturdays 8:30am to 12:30pm at 1888 Hibernia Rd. 902-644-7551. |
| Cell Phones & Rechargeable Batteries | Contact Call2Recycle at 1-877-273-2925 for drop-off information nearest you. |
| Used Tire Management Program – 4 tires per drop-off per visit (for tires registered for road use up to and including 24.5 inches in diameter) | Any tire retailer. Call 1-877-313-7732 for a location near you. |
| Bicycle Tires (voluntary) | Bicycle tires can be taken to the nearest depot. Visit https://divertns.ca/assets/files/Participating-Bicycle-Tire-Retailers_Sep-18-2020.pdf for drop-off locations. |
| Beverage Deposit Refund Program (pop, liquor, sport drinks and water) Any liquid container that has a deposit paid at point of sale | Can be place curbside in blue or clear bags for bi-weekly collection or donated to charitable organizations. Can also be taken to the following Enviro Depot in Queens: New Germany Enviro Centre Mobile Depot, Caledonia on Saturdays 8:30am to 12:30pm at 1888 Hibernia Rd. 902-644-7551. For Liverpool and area, the Queens Enviro Center is located at 3965 Sandy Cove Rd. in Brooklyn. Call 902-644-7551. |
| Propane Tanks (small 2 lb or large size 20 lb) | Take large tanks back to propane tank retailer in exchange for a full one. If your tank is too old to use again, take directly to Solid Waste Facility. Small tanks must be taken to the Solid Waste Facility when empty as they cannot be refilled. Never place propane tanks in the garbage for curbside pick-up. |
| Leaf & Yard Waste (tree branches, grass clippings, leaves and plant materials) | Can be taken to the Leaf & Yard Waste Site at 1799 Shore Rd. in Western Head or the Solid Waste Facility at 3750 Highway 8. Can also be placed out for twice yearly collection at curbside during your regular collection. |
| Christmas Trees (real and undecorated) | Can be taken to the Leaf & Yard Waste Site at 1799 Shore Rd. in Western Head or the Solid Waste Facility at 3750 Highway 8. Can also be placed out for yearly Christmas Tree collection at curbside during your regular collection. |
| Spring & Fall Clean-Ups (bulky items such as furniture, large toys, scrap metal, wooden items and appliances) | Can be placed curbside twice yearly for pick-up during your regular collection. |
| Construction & Demolition Materials (Wood, asphalt shingles, drywall, metals, wire, vinyl siding, glass, insulation and other building materials) Refrigerators do not require the freon to be removed. This is removed at the Solid Waste Facility. | Take to the Solid Waste Facility located at 3750 Highway #8 whether sorted or in a mixed state (Wood and metal items can also be placed out for Spring and Fall Clean-Ups) Call 902-350 1084. |
| Garbage (clear bag), Privacy Bag (black bag), Organics (green cart) And Recyclables (blue bags) | Can be placed curbside bi-weekly for pick-up. Can also be taken to the Solid Waste Facility located at 3750 Highway #8. Call 902-350-1084. |
| Used Clothing And Footwear | Can be placed in garbage bags for collection or donated. Many charitable organizations have donation bins for used clothing located throughout Queens County. |
No. Bi-weekly waste collection is for regular household waste only. Leftover construction materials can be taken to the Region of Queens Waste Management Facility (landfill) for recycling and disposal, provided it is properly separated. (i.e., wood, metal, gyprock, and asphalt [shingles]).
The Region of Queens Waste Management Facility (landfill) is open to the general public from 8:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
We are closed on Sundays and holidays. You can contact us at 902-350-1084.
The Region of Queens employs staff whose function it is to assist businesses and residents in solving waste management issues. This service is free of charge and can be arranged by calling the Department of Infrastructure during regular business hours at 902-354-7170.
Car and light truck tires are recyclable. You can take up to 4 tires back to any registered tire dealer or service station that sells tires. These should be accepted free of charge for recycling. Off road or tires with a wheel diameter greater than 24.5″ can be disposed of at the Region of Queens Waste Management Facility (Landfill).
Certain leftover paint products can be returned to your local Enviro-Depot for recycling. For information on what is acceptable, click here.
Car, truck and lawn tractor batteries (lead acid style) can be dropped off at your local Enviro-Depot free of charge for recycling.
