Refundable Beverage Containers
Beverage Containers have several disposal options in CBRM. All beverage containers, except for milk products can be taken to a local enviro-depot for refund. These containers can also be placed curbside during your area's blue bag collection scheduled. Beverage containers must not be placed in the garbage for disposal.
Deposit-Refund Program for Beverage Containers
The Deposit-Refund Program in Nova Scotia has been in effect since 1996. The program includes all ready-to-serve beverage containers except for:
- Milk or milk products
- Soy and rice drinks
- Certain meal replacements
- Formulated liquid diets
- Baby formulas
- Beverage concentrates
How the Program Works
When consumers purchase ready-to-serve beverage containers, they pay a deposit. Consumers can then return the containers to an ENVIRO-DEPOTTM for a refund.
Container Type |
Deposit Paid |
Refund |
Non-Liquor less than 5L |
10 cents |
5 cents |
Liquor 500 ml or less |
10 cents |
5 cents |
Liquor greater than 500 ml |
20 cents |
10 cents |
Deposits on refillable domestic beer bottles are completely refundable: $1.20 per dozen. |
Where can I return my refundable containers?
Refundable beverage containers can be returned to any ENVIRO-DEPOTTM that operates across the province for a refund..
The Enviro-Depots that operate in CBRM include:
Enviro-Depot |
Community / Address |
Phone Number |
Burke's Enviro Depot |
Lower Warrant Street, Louisbourg |
(902) 733-2130 |
New Waterford Recyclers |
5559 Union Highway, River Ryn |
(902) 862-3090 |
Total Recycling Ltd |
50 Industrial Drive, Sydney |
(902) 564-5173 |
Triple B Recycling Depot |
24 Stornaway Street |
(902) 539-8736 |
Keltic Recycling Inc. |
434 Keltic Drive, Sydney River |
(902)562-4008 |
Glace Bay Recycling Ltd. |
204 Reserve Street, Glace Bay |
(902) 842-0608 |
North Sydney Recycling Ltd. |
66 Memorial Drive, North Sydney |
(902) 241-3004 |
For more information about Enviro-Depots, residents are encouraged to contact Divert Nova Scotia at www.divertns.ca
Divert NS Beverage Container Recycling
Divert NS's beverage container recycling program applies to all ready-to-serve beverage containers with some exceptions. While protein drinks as well as diet & nutritional supplements, (such as Premier Protein, Muscle Milk, Boost Simply, Boost Diabetic), are included in their program and subject to a deposit, containers that are clearly labelled ‘Meal Replacement’ or ‘Formulated Liquid Diet’ are NOT subject to a deposit and therefore are not accepted at the Enviro-Depots. These containers can be placed in your blue bag used for Containers and Plastics. Please remember to rinse them out before disposal.
Learn more about what is accepted through Divert NS's beverage container recycling program by visiting: https://ow.ly/6ICQ50QOKZN
Beverage Containers: Caps can be left on
Refundable Program
When you return beverage containers to your local #EnviroDepot, not only do you get your $$ refund, you are also supporting a small business and helping protect our environment! To locate a depot in CBRM visit: https://divertns.ca/find-depot
Other Waste Management Questions?
Residents who have more questions about Waste Management are encouraged to contact the Waste Management Hotline at (902)567-1337 or visit www.cbrm.ns.ca/solidwaste. Educators are available to respond to inquiries from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.