Halifax

1. Categories of Waste in Halifax

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) uses a four-stream waste separation system to manage garbage and recycling. These categories are:

a. Organics (Green Bin)

• What goes in: Food waste (e.g., fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, dairy), soiled paper products (e.g., napkins, paper towels), yard waste (e.g., grass clippings, leaves), and coffee grounds/filters.
• What doesn’t go in: Plastic bags, diapers, pet waste, or any non-compostable materials.
• Collection frequency: Every two weeks (bi-weekly) year-round.
• Container: Green bins are provided by the municipality for free. Replacement bins cost $25.

b. Recycling (Blue Bag and Paper Bundle)

• What goes in:
  • Blue Bag Recycling: Clean plastic containers, glass bottles/jars, aluminum cans, and milk cartons.
  • Paper Recycling: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and boxboard (e.g., cereal boxes).
• What doesn’t go in: Styrofoam, plastic bags, or greasy pizza boxes.
• Collection frequency: Every two weeks (bi-weekly), alternating with organics collection.
• Container: Use clear blue bags for containers and bundle paper/cardboard separately.

c. Garbage (Black Bag)

• What goes in: Non-recyclable and non-compostable items, such as diapers, pet waste, broken glass (wrapped for safety), and Styrofoam.
• What doesn’t go in: Hazardous waste, electronics, or items that belong in other waste streams.
• Collection frequency: Every two weeks (bi-weekly), alternating with recycling collection.
• Bag limit: A maximum of 6 bags per household is allowed, with only 2 black bags permitted (the rest must be clear).
• Container: Use clear garbage bags; black bags are limited to 2 per collection.

d. Household Special Waste (HSW)

• What goes in: Hazardous materials like paint, batteries, propane tanks, motor oil, pesticides, and cleaning chemicals.
• What doesn’t go in: Regular garbage, organics, or recyclables.
• Disposal method: Drop off at the Household Special Waste Depot (see below for details).

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2. Costs Involved

• Residential collection: Waste collection is included in property taxes, so there are no additional fees for regular garbage, recycling, or organics pickup.
• Replacement bins: Green bins cost $25 for a replacement. Blue bags and clear garbage bags must be purchased by residents.
• Special waste disposal: Free for most items at the Household Special Waste Depot.
• Bulky item pickup: Large items like furniture or appliances can be disposed of during special curbside collection events or by scheduling a pickup (fees may apply for some items).

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3. Proper Procedures to Follow

To ensure your waste is collected and disposed of properly, follow these steps:

a. Sorting Your Waste

• Use the Halifax Recycles App or the What Goes Where? tool on the HRM website to determine the correct category for any item.
• Ensure all recyclables are clean and dry.
• Separate paper/cardboard from other recyclables.

b. Preparing for Collection

• Place your waste at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day but no earlier than 9:00 PM the night before.
• Ensure bags and bins are not blocked by vehicles or snow.
• Follow the bag limits and sorting rules to avoid fines or missed collection.

c. Handling Special Waste

• Drop off hazardous materials at the Household Special Waste Depot (20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayer’s Lake). Open select Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Electronics (e.g., TVs, computers) can be taken to an EPRA Drop-Off Location for free recycling.

d. Bulky Items

• Large items like mattresses, furniture, or appliances can be placed curbside during designated Spring and Fall Cleanup Weeks or taken to a local disposal site (fees may apply).

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4. Local Disposal Sites and Programs

Halifax has several facilities and programs to help residents manage waste responsibly:

a. Otter Lake Waste Management Facility

• Location: 600 Otter Lake Drive, Timberlea.
• Purpose: Processes garbage and ensures proper landfill management.
• Note: Not open to the public for direct drop-offs.

b. Household Special Waste Depot

• Location: 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayer’s Lake.
• Hours: Open select Saturdays (check the HRM website for dates).
• Accepted items: Paint, batteries, propane tanks, motor oil, and other hazardous materials.

c. EPRA (Electronic Products Recycling Association) Drop-Off Locations

• Purpose: Free recycling of electronics like TVs, computers, and printers.
• Locations: Multiple sites across Halifax (e.g., Staples, Best Buy).

d. Composting and Yard Waste Drop-Off

• Locations: Two composting facilities in Goodwood and Burnside.
• Accepted items: Yard waste, Christmas trees, and excess organics.

e. Community Recycling Depots

• Purpose: Accept additional recyclables like refundable beverage containers.
• Locations: Various depots across HRM.

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5. Additional Considerations

• Seasonal Programs: Halifax offers special programs like Christmas tree collection in January and leaf/yard waste collection in the fall.
• Illegal Dumping: Fines apply for illegal dumping or improper disposal of waste.
• Education and Outreach: HRM provides resources, workshops, and school programs to educate residents about waste management.
• Accessibility: Residents with mobility challenges can apply for Assisted Waste Collection to have waste picked up closer to their home.

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6. Tips for New Residents and Immigrants

• Familiarize yourself with the Halifax Recycles App for collection schedules and sorting guidance.
• Purchase clear garbage bags and blue recycling bags at local grocery or hardware stores.
• If you live in an apartment or condo, check with your property manager for specific waste disposal rules.
• Participate in community clean-up events to engage with your neighborhood and learn more about local waste practices.

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By following these guidelines, you can ensure compliance with Halifax’s waste management system while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable community. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!