Recycling In New Brunswick: What's Allowed?

New Brunswick offers a wide range of recycling programs to reduce waste and conserve resources. The province's Beverage Containers Program, for instance, encourages the reuse and recycling of containers, with a deposit/refund system that has kept around three billion containers out of landfills. Other initiatives include a tire stewardship program, used oil recycling, and electronics recycling. New Brunswick also recycles common household items like glass, plastic, paper, and metal. The region is committed to managing waste sustainably and responsibly, with independent organisations providing solid waste services and planning.

Beverage containers

Deposit-Bearing Containers

The following beverage containers are eligible for a deposit refund:

• Water and flavoured water
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Dairy-based drinks (milkshakes, milk protein shakes, coffee drinks, drinkable yogurt, kefir, eggnog)
• Plant-based milk alternatives that are not labelled as "fortified"
• Fortified plant-based milk alternatives that are labelled as "not a source of protein" (usually soy beverages)
• Sports drinks (protein drinks, energy drinks, electrolyte beverages)
• Nutritional supplements not labelled as "meal replacements" or "formulated liquid diets"
• Beer, wine, and spirits
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Alcoholic beverages (over and under 500ml)

Non-Deposit Containers

Containers that are not eligible for a refund include those that hold:

• Apple cider that is unprocessed (not heated, pasteurized, or otherwise processed)
• Milk and flavoured milk
• Fortified plant-based milk alternatives (unless also labelled as "not a source of protein")
• Nutritional supplements labelled as "meal replacements" or "formulated liquid diets"
• Infant formula
• Concentrated beverages (powdered or frozen juices, cocktail mixers, syrups, condensed milk, etc.)
• Beverages in containers larger than 5 litres
• Beverages purchased outside of New Brunswick

Redemption Centres

Redemption centres, such as Re-Centre, issue refunds for containers from all ready-to-drink beverage products for which a deposit was paid at purchase. The refund is credited to your online account and can be withdrawn through various payment options. It's important to note that the containers must be returned to the province where they were purchased.

Paint and oil

New Brunswick has over 60 recycling locations where you can drop off your leftover paint for free. Recycle NB ensures that 70% of all paint collected is turned into new recycled paint products.

When dropping off your paint, it is important to remember that it must be in its original container, tightly sealed, and labelled. Do not mix different types of paint products together. You can bring up to 10 containers of paint or 50 spray cans at a time (no larger than 25 litres for paint or 680g / 24oz for paint aerosols).

The following types of paint are accepted:

• Interior and exterior water-based (latex, acrylic) and oil-based (alkyd, enamel) household paint
• Undercoat and primers (e.g. metal, wood, etc.)
• Concrete and masonry paint
• Deck and floor paint or coatings (including elastomeric)
• Marine paint (unless registered under the Pest Control Products Act)
• Melamine, stain and shellac
• Stain-blocking paint
• Swimming pool paint (only single component)
• Varnish and urethane (only single component)
• Wood preservatives (unless registered under the Pest Control Products Act)
• Wood, masonry, driveway sealer, and water repellant (not tar-based or bitumen-based)
• All types of aerosol paint

In addition to paint, it is easy to recycle used oil, oil filters, oil containers, glycol, and glycol containers in New Brunswick. Recycle NB oversees an industry-led and financed oil and glycol management plan.

Every second Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., all city residents can drop off paint and electronics at 400 Jersey Avenue.

Electronics

In 2017, the New Brunswick provincial government established an electronics waste management program under the Clean Environment Act. Recycle NB, the agency responsible for designated materials in the province, oversees the electronics program. Recycle My Electronics is the national not-for-profit organisation that provides trusted, proven program management for electronics recycling across Canada.

The electronics recycling program diverts thousands of tonnes of electronic devices and equipment from New Brunswick's landfills. The program is an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program, which means the electronics industry will manage the program. The Recycle NB Board of Directors has approved a management plan for electronic waste, which calls for a province-wide electronics recycling program.

Industry brand owners chose the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) to operate the program in New Brunswick. Recycle My Electronics manages the largest network of qualified processors, transporters, and drop-off locations across the country.

Accepted electronics include laptop, desktop and tower computers, monitors, printers, TVs, and fax machines.

Paper and packaging

In New Brunswick, paper and packaging products are included in the recycling program. The province is transitioning to a new model where the businesses that sell these products to consumers will be responsible for collecting, processing, and recycling the materials. This means that companies will be financially and operationally accountable for the waste associated with their packaging and paper products. The new system is expected to be fully implemented by 2027.

The transition to the new model is being managed by Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization. Circular Materials is working with a network of redemption centres across New Brunswick to provide convenient recycling options for residents. This includes accepting materials such as glass, polystyrene, beverage cardboard, and flexible plastics.

The Recycle NB Board of Directors has approved a stewardship plan for packaging and paper products in the province. This plan is part of New Brunswick's commitment to managing all waste materials in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. The province's beverage containers program, for example, aims to reduce landfill waste and litter by encouraging the reuse and recycling of beverage containers through a deposit and refund scheme.

The new model for paper and packaging recycling in New Brunswick is known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Under this framework, brand owners and producers are responsible for the end-of-life management of their packaging and paper materials. This includes the financial and operational responsibilities associated with recycling. EPR is recognized as a highly effective mechanism for improving recycling rates and promoting a circular economy.

Overall, the changes to the paper and packaging recycling system in New Brunswick aim to improve the environmental sustainability of the province by reducing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. The transition to the new model is being carefully managed to ensure a smooth process for residents, with no changes to the recycling pickup schedule or the types of materials that can be recycled.

Tires

New Brunswick has made it easy to recycle tires. The province's tire stewardship program, which began in 1996, diverts around a million tires per year from landfills.

As part of this program, New Brunswickers can return up to five used tires for recycling to any tire retailer in the province during regular business hours, free of charge. The tires must be off-rim and free of mud and debris.

For commercial operators or those with a large number of tires (a minimum of 50) for recycling, Recycle NB can be contacted to arrange a pick-up.

Tire Recycling Atlantic Canada Corporation (TRACC), based in Minto, New Brunswick, serves wholesale and retail customers across North America, Europe, and beyond. TRACC turns 98% of tires into new rubber products, protecting the planet and ensuring the sustainable use of resources.

Frequently asked questions