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
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.