Collection and containers
Collection containers and service can be arranged by contacting a private waste hauler. Many local retailers sell bins that can be used inside your business. There are many styles and sizes available to fit any business.
Mini green bin alternatives: Cracker boxes or other box board packaging, ice cream containers and coleslaw or plastic laundry pails are inexpensive and re-usable. Bio-degradable or compostable bags are not acceptable in the green bin.
Sorting and signage
You must post signs to give instructions on proper sorting to staff, tenants, or visitors. In apartment buildings that have a garbage chute, a sign must be posted telling residents where to find bins for recycling and organics collection. To help your employees at your business or residents in your building, sorting labels and sorting guides are available for download.
Businesses (including restaurants, apartment buildings, and institutions) are required to have sorting programs and commercial containers for disposal of blue bag recyclables, paper and cardboard, organic materials, and garbage. Failure to provide these programs can result in a Summary Offence Ticket under Bylaw S-600
Additional information
Debris from construction and demolition cannot be mixed with regular garbage and must be taken to a licensed facility in the Halifax region. This includes material such as lumber, old roofing, gyproc, and concrete. These materials are not accepted for drop-off at the Otter Lake Waste Facility.
All loads for delivery to a waste facility MUST be securely tarped.
Businesses are required to contact a private hazardous waste handling company for proper disposal of chemicals.
Used cooking oil and trap grease must be collected by a rendering service.
The following products contain mercury:
- CFL and fluorescent bulbs
- thermostats
- household thermometers
- button cell batteries
Light bulbs and other products containing mercury are not accepted for disposal at the Otter Lake Facility and must be handled through a private contractor.
Dan-X Recycling (64 Trider Cres, Burnside) accepts CFL and fluorescent bulbs from businesses. Inquire with Dan-X Recycling for the costs associated with these services.
Halifax Solid Waste staff can help set up sorting programs at your business by providing signs, hosting workshops, or conducting waste assessments. Send an email to wasteless@halifax.ca for more information.
Download the Halifax Recycles App
The Halifax Recycles web widget and mobile app can be used to search what goes where.
Waste facility information
- Otter Lake Waste Facility
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday: 6:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday (residential drop-off area only): 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Fees
The tipping fee is $126.50 (+HST) per tonne ($12.65 per 100 kg). For loads weighing less than 100 kg, a flat fee of $5 is charged. Rates are subject to change.
Payment accepted by cash, debit, or credit card. A deposit may be required for cash customers.
Requests for credit account application can be directed to 902-453-3490, or accounts@mirrorns.com. This includes customers with existing credit accounts with the municipality.
All loads arriving at the Otter Lake Facility are inspected for unacceptable material, the acceptance standards of the municipality, and the disposal requirements of Nova Scotia Environment.
The following materials are not accepted at the Otter Lake Facility:
- construction, demolition and renovation debris
- materials banned under the NS Environment Act
- recyclables
- organics
- dangerous or hazardous goods
- radioactive materials
- explosives or flammables
- liquid wastes or sludge
- wastes that produce a toxic leachate
- biomedical or Infectious wastes
- international wastes
- asbestos
- regulated tires
- animal carcasses
- unapproved special wastes
- Materials recycling facility
20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayer's Lake Park, Halifax
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Drop-off bins are available during open hours.Fees
There is a $45 (+HST) per tonne ($4.50 per 100kg) fee for drop-off. Loads weighing under 50 kg are no charge.
Requests to open an account at the recycling facility can be made by calling 311.
- Organics management compost facility
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fees
There is a $100 (+HST) per tonne ($10.00 per 100kg) fee for drop-off.
- Construction, demolition, and renovation debris
16 Mills Drive, Goodwood
188 Ross Road, WestphalHalifax C & D Recycling Ltd
902-876-8644Hours of operation
Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: ClosedFees
Check with the facility operator for fees, and for changes in hours of operation on or around holidays