Refundable Beverage Containers
Beverage container recycling in Nova Scotia is managed by Divert NS. A consumer can return their beverage containers to any local Enviro-Depot for a refund. All beverage containers, except for milk products can be taken to a local enviro-depot for refund. For more details, download the Enviro-Depot™ Refundable's Guide.
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 a consumer purchases ready-to-serve beverage containers, a deposit is paid. 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 |
Glace Bay Recycling Ltd. |
204 Reserve Street, Glace Bay |
902-842-0608 |
Keltic Recycling Ltd. |
434 Keltic Drive, Sydney River |
902-562-4008 |
Mira Recycling Depot |
Lower Warren Street, Louisbourg |
902-565-0072 |
New Waterford Recyclers |
5559 Union Highway, River Ryan |
902-862-3090 |
North Sydney Recycling Ltd. |
66 Memorial Drive, North Sydney |
902-241-3004 |
Total Recycling Ltd. |
85 Industrial Drive, Sydney |
902-564-5173 |
Triple B Recycling Depot |
24 Stornaway Street, Sydney |
902-539-8736 |

For more information about Enviro-Depots, residents are encouraged to visit divert ns beverage container program
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 in Divert NS's beverage container recycling program visit Enviro-Depot™ Refundable's Guide.



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: Locate an Enviro-Depot

