Tips for winter garbage and recycling collection:

• White garbage bags are difficult to see in snowbanks.  Black or green garbage bags are best to use in winter weather.

• Keep bags out of the path of snowplows.  This may mean placing bags curbside (before 7:00 am) on collection day.  Broken bags may not be collected, and clean up is your responsibility.
  
  • Clear an area adjacent to your driveway for placement of materials.
    
  • Collection staff cannot climb over snowbanks to pick up material.

As the temperature goes down, you may find your green cart freezing up:

• Avoid placing wet food waste and liquids in your green cart.  Wrap wet food waste in one sheet of paper or box board to help absorb moisture and prevent freezing.

• Place your green cart curbside (before 7:00 am) every 2 weeks, even if it’s not full.

• When you place your cart curbside please keep it out of the path of the snowplow. REMEMBER, your collector needs to be able to easily access your green cart for collection.

Have you heard the news?

Recycling in HRM just got easier! 

As of September 1, HRM residents can place ALL PLASTIC CONTAINERS in the blue bag for recycling.  No more checking for numbers on the bottom!

WHAT'S IN?
		Plastic bottles, jugs and jars for:   Beverages (including milk), shampoo, lotions, cleaners, windshield washer fluid, and other household liquids etc…
		Plastic food tubs, lids and containers for:   Yogurt, margarine, sour cream, cottage cheese, cookies, fruit & vegetable trays, salads, plastic clamshells and ice cream etc..
		Plastic Bags/ Wrap:   Grocery, bread, produce and frozen vegetable bags, bubble wrap and other plastic film/wrap items etc… Place all bags and wrap in a grocery bag, tie, then place in the blue bag with other recyclables.
WHAT'S OUT?
		Styrofoam (Garbage)
		Non-container plastics: Bottle caps, toys, dvd cases, plastic cutlery, coffee/pop cups and lids, cereal box liners, straws, pipe, packaging that is made of a combination of plastic plus paper, bulky items that do not fit in the blue bag. These items go in the garbage. Why don't we recycle bottle caps?

Ever wondered what happens to your recyclables when they leave the curb? Take a virtual tour of HRM's Recycling and Compost Facilities.

Looking for tips on how to manage your green cart and help prevent nuisances? Check out our brochure: ORGANICS COLLECTION PROGRAM - Tips for Proper Usage (pdf)

Buying or Selling a House?

• Remember, the mini-bin and green cart are assigned to the property - they stay even if you move.  Ask your real estate to include this as a condition in the purchase & sale agreement.  Be sure to inspect the bins to ensure they are undamaged. 

• If your property was never assigned a cart or if it requires repairs, please call 490-4000.