Accomplishments

Nova Scotians should be proud of their environmental achievements in waste-resource management. Since 1996, more than 2.6 billion beverage containers and 1.8 million litres of leftover paint have been recycled, and 9.8 million used tires have been recovered.

Adding up our successes in 2008

In fiscal 2008, RRFB Nova Scotia-funded programs diverted a wide range of materials from disposal:

Beverage Program

  • Containers on which deposits were received: 361 million (350 million in 2007)
  • Redemptions: 282 million containers (268 million in 2007)
  • Recovery rate: 78.1% (76.7% in 2007)
  • Over 2.6 billion beverage containers recycled since April 1, 1996

Used Tire Management Program

  • Tires collected: 1.077 million (1.184 in 2007)
  • Tire recovery rate: 88.8% (102.3% in 2007)
  • 9.8 million tires recovered since 1997

Paint Program

  • Containers sold: 2.12 million (2.07 million in 2007)
  • Containers collected: 292,000 units (260,000 in 2007)
  • Paint collected: 458,400 litres (268,600 litres in 2007)
  • Used paint container recovery rate: 13.7% (12.6% in 2007)
  • Non-program materials: 26,936 units (24,185 in 2007)
  • 1.8 million liters of paint recycled since June 1, 2002

Municipal Programs

  • 59,000 tonnes of residential organic waste diverted through municipal curbside programs
  • 46,500 tonnes of recyclable material diverted through municipal curbside programs
  • Approved funding for the removal of 3,290 derelict vehicles around the province

RRFB Nova Scotia funding at a Glance: 2008

  • Nearly $7.8 million (60.5% of net revenues) to Nova Scotia's 55 municipalities for diversion credits and funding for local recycling, composting and other programs
  • $1.5 million to educate Nova Scotians and build ongoing support for environmental action
  • Paid $346,000 and approved an additional $297,000 for private sector projects to support environmental entrepreneurs and encourage innovations in waste reduction