Halifax
๐๏ธ
Waste Management
Garbage, recycling, and composting services for households and businesses.
Sections
1. Waste Categories in Halifax
Halifax uses a four-stream waste separation system to manage waste effectively. These categories are:
a. Garbage (Black Bag)
- What goes in: Non-recyclable and non-compostable items such as:
- Broken glass (wrapped securely)
- Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., chip bags, candy wrappers)
- Styrofoam
- Diapers and sanitary products
- Vacuum bags
- What does NOT go in: Recyclables, compostable materials, hazardous waste, or electronics.
b. Recycling (Blue Bag)
- What goes in:
- Paper products (newspapers, magazines, cardboard, office paper)
- Plastic containers (with recycling symbols #1-7)
- Metal cans (aluminum, tin)
- Glass bottles and jars
- How to prepare: Place recyclables in blue transparent bags. Flatten cardboard boxes and bundle them.
c. Compost (Green Bin)
- What goes in:
- Food waste (vegetable peels, meat, bones, dairy, eggshells)
- Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, small branches)
- Soiled paper products (napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes)
- How to prepare: Use the green bin provided by HRM for compostable materials. Line the bin with paper or certified compostable bags if needed.
d. Household Special Waste (HSW)
- What goes in:
- Hazardous materials (paint, batteries, propane tanks, cleaning products)
- Electronics (TVs, computers, phones)
- Lightbulbs
- How to dispose: These items are NOT collected curbside. They must be taken to a designated Household Special Waste Depot (details below).
2. Collection Schedules
Halifax operates on a bi-weekly collection schedule for garbage and recycling, while compost is collected weekly.
How to Check Your Schedule:
- Visit the Halifax Solid Waste Collection Schedule page: https://www.halifax.ca.
- Use the "What Goes Where" tool or download the Halifax Recycles App (available for iOS and Android) to find your collection days and get reminders.
Key Points:
- Place your waste at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day.
- Ensure waste is in proper bags or bins and does not exceed weight limits (garbage bags: 25 kg/55 lbs; green bins: 100 kg/220 lbs).
3. Costs and Fees
- Curbside Collection: Included in property taxes for residents. There are no additional fees for regular waste collection.
- Green Bin Replacement: If your green bin is damaged or lost, you may need to pay a replacement fee (approximately $25-$50).
- Special Waste Disposal: Free at designated depots for most items, but some electronics may have a recycling fee (e.g., TVs, computers).
4. Disposal Procedures
Curbside Collection:
- Separate your waste into the appropriate categories (garbage, recycling, compost).
- Use the correct bags or bins:
- Black bags for garbage.
- Blue transparent bags for recyclables.
- Green bin for compost.
- Place items at the curb no earlier than 7:00 PM the night before collection day and no later than 7:00 AM on collection day.
Household Special Waste (HSW):
- Take hazardous waste to the Household Special Waste Depot at:
- 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayers Lake Business Park
- Open most Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (check the HRM website for specific dates).
- Electronics can also be dropped off at EPRA (Electronic Products Recycling Association) depots. Visit https://recyclemyelectronics.ca/ns/ for locations.
Yard Waste:
- Small amounts of yard waste can go in the green bin.
- Larger amounts (e.g., branches, leaves) can be taken to a Community Recycling Centre or bundled for curbside pickup (check size limits).
5. Local Considerations
- Bag Limits: There is a limit of 6 bags of garbage per household per collection day, with a maximum of 3 black bags. The remaining bags must be clear.
- Clear Bag Policy: Halifax enforces a clear bag policy for garbage to encourage proper sorting. You can use one small opaque bag inside each clear bag for privacy.
- Illegal Dumping: Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is illegal and subject to fines.
- Winter Considerations: During snowstorms, ensure waste is placed in a visible and accessible location, not buried under snow or obstructing sidewalks.
6. Recycling Depots and Drop-Off Locations
Halifax has several depots for recycling and special waste. Here are some key locations:
Household Special Waste Depot
- Address: 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayers Lake Business Park
- Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (check schedule online)
Community Recycling Centres
- Address: 61 Evergreen Place, Dartmouth
- Services: Accepts yard waste, construction debris, and other large items.
EPRA Drop-Off Locations
- Website: https://recyclemyelectronics.ca/ns/
- Services: Electronics recycling (TVs, computers, phones, etc.).
7. Resources and Tools
- Halifax Recycles App: Download for collection reminders, sorting tips, and schedules.
- What Goes Where Tool: Use this online tool to search for how to dispose of specific items: https://www.halifax.ca/whatgoeswhere.
- Customer Service: Call 311 for any waste management inquiries or to report missed collections.
By following these guidelines, you can easily manage your waste in Halifax while contributing to the cityโs sustainability efforts. Let me know if you need further clarification!