Nova Scotia Department of Environment : Decision on Film Plastics Disposal

The Nova Scotia Department of Environment has granted a temporary exemption to allow film plastic from Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) to go to a landfill.

This change only affects HRM and only film plastics such as plastic shopping bags, the wrap around toilet paper and paper towels, and the wrapping around water bottles, pop or juice cans.

Film plastics make up about five per cent of materials currently being recycled in Nova Scotia. Most materials, such as paper, margarine tubs, pop bottles, other bottles and cans, can still be recycled as usual.

'This is only a temporary measure,' said Environment Minister Iain Rankin. 'Nova Scotia is a leader in recycling and waste diversion, and we will continue to be. We all want to see these materials recycled, not put into the landfill.'

The decision was requested by HRM and by Green for Life, which operates a landfill in West Hants that would accept these materials. In July, China announced it would no longer accept these materials for recycling.

'Putting film plastic in the landfill is a last resort,' said Matt Keliher, HRM's manager of solid waste. 'We have been actively looking for new markets and will continue to do that in the months to come.'

Recyclable materials are banned from Nova Scotia landfills across the province. That ban will continue. This variance will simply allow a six-month exception for the Green for Life landfill in West Hants.

'I encourage all Nova Scotians to use reusable bags, and reduce their use of these materials wherever possible,' said Mr. Rankin. 'The province will work with industry, municipalities and others on this issue.'

Other applications for a variance will be considered promptly.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The province will allow a West Hants landfill to accept

film plastics from Halifax Regional Municipality for six months.

Film plastics include shopping bags, plastic wrap and the

wrapping around toilet paper and paper towels and the wrapping

around water bottles, pop or juice cans.

Most other materials such as paper, margarine tubs, pop

bottles, other bottles and cans will still be recycled as usual.

Environment Minister Iain Rankin says this is a temporary

measure and encourages all Nova Scotians to use reusable bags,

and reduce their use of film plastics wherever possible.

In July China announced it would no longer accept film

plastics for recycling.

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Media Contact: Chrissy Matheson
902-471-2444
Email: [e-mail]