Frequently Asked Questions

  • Beverage Container Recycling Program - Consumers

  • Beverage Container Recycling Program - Distributors

    The following FAQs are presented for general information. The contents are subject to change and do not supersede the authority or provisions of the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Regulations. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the information on this website and the Waste Management Regulations, the regulations will prevail.

    Registration

    Q1. Do I have to register on an annual basis?

    A1. No. Distributors who have a program registration number do not have to re-apply. However, Distributors must notify MMSB of any changes to their registration information by completing and resubmitting the program registration form.

    Q2. What if I sell my business or cease operations?

    A2. If a Distributor sells or ceases operations, it is required to notify MMSB in writing as soon as possible to ensure its account is properly closed. Until MMSB receives written notice, Distributors remain registered and are obligated to meet requirements under the Newfoundland and Labrador’s Waste Management Regulations, including submitting monthly remittance forms. Written notices of closure or sale can be submitted by email to auditor@mmsb.nl.ca or in hardcopy to the attention of Compliance Auditor to MMSB’s address.

    Q3. What is the process for registering with the Used Beverage Container Recycling program? 

    A3. All Distributors who do not have a registration number must complete and submit a Used Beverage Container Recycling program registration form to MMSB. The first part of this web page includes an electronic copy of the program Registration Form. To receive a hard copy of the form, call toll-free 1-800-901-MMSB (6672) or email auditor@mmsb.nl.ca.

    Once MMSB has received and approved the completed registration form, a Registration Number will be provided and you will be given a Stewardship Agreement for signature.

    Q4. Am I required to register each type of beverage I sell in the province?

    A4. No. Each type of beverage container that qualifies as deposit-bearing is automatically deemed registered under the program and must include a return for refund message. Variations of the wording are acceptable as long as the concept of a refund (e.g. Return for Refund; Refundable; Return for refund where applicable; etc.) is evident and that the Mobius Loop symbol or the word “Recyclable” appears on the label. What’s important is the content of the message, that it is readily visible, and that it is on the container when empty.

    Q5. What happens if I don’t register or report and remit deposits to MMSB?

    A5. Distributors of beverage containers in Newfoundland and Labrador are required to register with MMSB and participate in the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program. Distributors that do not meet their legal obligations under the program are not permitted to sell ready-to-serve beverages in the province. In addition, failure to comply with the provisions of the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Regulations may result in any or all of the following actions:

    • Audit of the Distributor;
    • Legal proceedings to collect amounts owed;
    • Application of a fine, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act and the Waste Management Regulations; and/or
    • Cancellation of the Distributors registration and notification to provincial enforcement.

    Q6. How can I ensure my products comply with the Regulations?

    A6. All non-refillable, ready-to-serve beverage containers that are five litres or less are included in the program—with some exceptions. See the Beverage Distributor Guide for a complete list of beverage containers included in the program and the applicable deposits.

    If clarification is required about whether a beverage container is deposit-bearing or not, email MMSB at inquiries@mmsb.nl.ca and provide a digital copy of the product label for review. MMSB will provide written confirmation on whether or not a deposit applies and the amount of deposit.

    Deposit

    Q1. How much is the deposit?

    A1. An 8 or 20 cent deposit applies to each ready-to-serve beverage container, depending on the size and type of container and whether it is used for an alcoholic or a non-alcoholic beverage. See the Beverage Distributor Guide for a complete list of beverage containers included in the program and the deposit amounts. Some exceptions apply.

    Q2. Is the deposit a tax?

    A2. No. The deposit applied to the sale of beverage containers is used to fund the collection, transportation and processing costs associated with recycling.

    Q3. What ready-to-serve beverages are exempt from the program?

    A3. The following items are exempt from the program, and a deposit does not apply:

    • Milk
    • Milk substitutes
    • Infant formula
    • Meal replacement beverages and formulated liquid diets
    • Concentrated products
    • Containers greater than 5 litres
    • Refillable containers that are collected and reused through a local distributor program

    See the Beverage Distributor Guide for details on what products are exempt.

    Q4. Does the deposit apply to ready-to-serve products sold out of province?

    A4. If a Distributor sells any beverage container out of province, the deposit does not apply. However, the Distributor is required to retain documentation relating to the out-of-province sale to substantiate non-remittance of the deposit.

    A retailer that sells a deposit-bearing beverage container out of province must provide MMSB with proof of shipment and sale, along with proof of payment of the deposit, in order to be reimbursed.

    Q5. Is the deposit taxable?

    A5. HST applies to deposits of taxable ready-to-serve beverage containers. Distributors are responsible for remitting HST to CRA on all applicable deposits.

    Q6. How are the unclaimed and un-refunded portions of deposits used?

    A6. Beverage container deposits that are not refunded to the consumer are used to supplement the cost of running the Beverage Container Recycling Program. After that, surplus refunds are invested in the Waste Management Trust Fund, which are used to advance sustainable waste management in the province.

    Reporting And Remitting

    Q1. When are my monthly reports and payments due?

    A1. Remittance forms and payment of applicable deposits are due by the tenth (10th) day of the month following the reporting period. Completed forms can be submitted in hardcopy or electronic format. MMSB accepts payment through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or cheque.

    Email remittances@mmsb.nl.ca or mail the form to MMSB’s address.

    Download the relevant remittance forms here:

    To receive a hardcopy of the Used Beverage Container Recycling remittance form, call a MMSB Compliance Auditor toll-free 1 (800) 901-MMSB (6672) or email auditor@mmsb.nl.ca.

    Q2. Do I have to report every month?

    A2. Yes. Completed program remittance forms must be submitted for every month—even if no beverage containers were sold during the month.

  • Used Tire Management Program - Consumers

    Q1. How can I recycle used tires?

    A1. When you buy new tires, you can leave your used tires, at no cost, with the tire retailer. Even if you are not purchasing new tires, you can bring any used tires you have, in manageable quantities (4-5 tires), to a tire retailer during their regular business hours. Residents can drop off tires for collection by MMSB at any of the bulk waste transfer facilities in both Eastern, Central and Western Newfoundland.

    Q2. What types of tires can be recycled?

    A2. Used tires from passenger vehicles and light trucks (PLT), as well as medium truck tires (MTT), can be recycled as part of the Used Tire Recycling Program. Used tires must be in whole form, free of mud or debris, and must have the rims removed prior to being taken to a tire retailer or to any of the bulk waste transfer facilities in both Eastern, Central and Western Newfoundland to be collected by MMSB. Used tires cannot be recycled with the rims on.

    Q3. What types of tires cannot be recycled?

    A3. ATV, OTR (off the road), forklift, and other industrial tires are not included in the Used Tire Recycling Program. Contact your local landfill operator for information on disposal.

    Q4. During a community clean-up, we collected a large number of tires. Can these be recycled?

    A4. Yes, as long as the tires are included in the Used Tire Recycling Program (used tires from passenger vehicles, light trucks and medium truck tires) and are in the proper condition for recycling. To be recycled, used tires must be in whole form, free of mud and debris and must have the rims removed. For more than 30 tires, contact MMSB (1-800-901-6672) to schedule a pick-up. For pick-up, tires must be accessible by truck and segregated from other garbage.

    Q5. Do I pay a fee when I leave used tires at a tire retailer for recycling?

    A5. No. Consumers can leave their used tires with a tire retailer free-of-charge. A recycling fee is only charged to the consumer on the sale of a new tire.

    Q6. Should I be charged a recycling fee to have new tires installed even though I bought the tires somewhere else?

    A6. No. A consumer should only pay the recycling fee once, when a new tire is purchased.

  • Used Tire Management Program - Suppliers and Collectors

    These FAQs are presented for general information. The contents are subject to change and do not supersede the authority or provisions of the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Regulations. In the event of a discrepancy or inconsistency between the information in these FAQs and the Waste Management Regulations, the regulations will prevail.

    Registration

    Q1. What is the process for registering with the Used Tire Management Program? 

    A1. All Tire Suppliers and Collectors in Newfoundland and Labrador must complete and submit a Used Tire Management Program registration form to the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB). Download an electronic copy of the program registration form (see above). To receive a hard copy of the form, call 1-800-901-MMSB (6672) or email auditors@mmsb.nl.ca.

    Once the completed registration form has been received and approved, MMSB will issue a Registration Number and indicate whether a Tire Supplier is registered as a Remitter or Pay-on-Purchase (POP) Tire Supplier. Collectors will also be issued a registration number.

    Q2. Do I have to register on an annual basis?

    A2. No, Tire Suppliers only have to register once with MMSB. However, if there are any changes to the registration, Tire Suppliers must complete the applicable fields on the program registration form and resubmitting the updated information to MMSB.

    Q3. What if I sell or close my business?

    A3. If a Tire Supplier sells or ceases operations, it must notify MMSB in writing as soon as possible to ensure its account is properly closed. Until MMSB receives written notice, a Tire Supplier remains registered and is obligated to meet requirements under the Waste Management Regulations. Written notices can be submitted by email to auditor@mmsb.nl.caor in hard copy to the attention of Compliance Auditor at MMSB’s address.

    Q4. As a Tire Supplier of highway/on-road tires, what happens if I don’t register with MMSB or report and remit environmental fees to MMSB?

    A4. Tire Suppliers of program tires must register with MMSB and participate in the Used Tire Management Program. Tire Suppliers who do not meet their legal obligations under the program are not permitted to supply tires in the province. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Waste Management Regulations may result in any or all of the following actions:

    • Auditing of the Tire Supplier;
    • Legal proceedings to collect amounts owed;
    • Application of a fine, in accordance with the Waste Management Regulations; and/or
    • Cancellation of the Tire Supplier’s Registration and notification to provincial enforcement.

     

    Environmental Fee

    Q1. How much is the environmental fee?

    A1. The environmental fee applies to all new highway tires in Newfoundland and Labrador:

    • $3.00 per tire – rim size 17 inches or less
    • $9.00 per tire – rim size greater than 17 inches and equal to or less than 24.5 inches

    Q2. Is the environmental fee a tax?

    A2. No. The environmental fee is a levy applied to the sale or distribution of the new tires and is used to fund the cost of collecting, transporting and processing tires in an environmentally responsible way.

    Q3. Does the environmental fee apply to tires on new cars?

    A3. Yes. The environmental fee applies to the four tires on a new car as well as the spare tire, if included, for a total of five tires.

    Q4. Does the environmental fee apply to tires on trailers, RVs, etc.?

    A4. Yes. An environmental fee must be applied on the supply of the following new highway tires with a rim diameter of 24.5 inches or less:

    • Passenger and light truck tires
    • Motorcycle tires, including dual purpose tires
    • Camper tires
    • Trailer tires (e.g. utility, cargo and equipment)
    • Transport truck, bus, semi-trailer and dump truck tires

    The environmental fee does not apply to tires for off-the-road (OTR) vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, forklifts, farm machinery and non-highway construction equipment or any tires with a rim diameter greater than 24.5 inches. Tire Suppliers can contact their regional waste management authority or municipality for information on proper disposal of non-program tires.

    Q5. Are tires returned under warranty subject to the environmental fee?

    A5. Where the tires are replaced under warranty at a charge to the consumer, the environmental fee is applied to the replacement tire(s) and must be remitted to MMSB. Where tires are replaced under manufacturer’s warranty at no charge to the consumer, and the tire had a defect, the environmental fee is not applied to the replacement tires.

    Q6. Does the environmental fee apply to substituted or exchanged tires?

    A6. If a tire is purchased and subsequently exchanged for a different style or brand, the environmental handling fee is applied and remitted only once – providing the original tire can still be sold as new.

    Q7. Are leasing companies subject to the environmental fee?

    A7. Yes.

    Q8. If a customer buys four new program tires under a buy-one-get-one free (or similar) promotion, does the fee apply to all four tires?

    A8. Yes. The fee applies to each tire, regardless of what the consumer pays for the tire, to ensure the cost of collecting and processing is covered when the tires are returned for end-of-life management.

    Q9. I own a small retail tire business. Can I pay the environmental fee to my supplier when I purchase my tires?

    A9. Yes you can, providing program tires are sourced exclusively from Tire Suppliers that are currently registered with MMSB under this program. If a Tire Supplier meets this criterion, it can apply to the program to be a Pay-on-Purchase (POP) Tire Supplier.  POP Tire Suppliers are required to pay applicable environmental fees to the Remitter, upon the purchase of new program tires, which in turn exempts the Tire Supplier from reporting and remitting environmental fees to MMSB. However, POP Tire Suppliers are required to collect used tires generated by consumers.

    In addition, POP Tire Suppliers are subject to audits conducted by MMSB and are required to maintain and retain records of all transactions regarding program tires and provide the auditor with such information as reasonably required carrying out duties under the program.

    Q10. I have a wholesale business—should I charge the environmental fee to tire retailers who are registered with MMSB’s Used Tire Program?

    A10. No, providing that the receiver is currently registered as a Remitter Tire Supplier with the program and proof of registration is provided. In this instance, the receiver of the product accepts full responsibility for reporting and remitting the environmental fee upon the subsequent supply of the program tires to its customers. Please note that wholesalers are required to record the following on the receiver’s invoice: the business name, address, registration number and the amount of the fee exempted. If a wholesaler fails to provide this information during the auditing process, it will be charged all applicable environmental fees.

    Q11. Does the environmental fee apply to new tires or equipment with new tires shipped out of province?

    A11. No, but the Tire Supplier is required to retain documentation relating to the out-of-province delivery to substantiate non-remittance of the environmental fee for that sale.

    Q12. Does the environmental fee apply to new tires or equipment with new tires purchased in Newfoundland and Labrador by a non-resident?

    A12. Yes. The environmental fee is applied to all program tires supplied to a consumer in the province whether or not that consumer is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.

    Q13. Is the environmental fee taxable?

    A13. Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) considers the environmental fee applied to the supply of program tires a taxable service; therefore, Tire Suppliers are responsible for remitting HST on all environmental fees directly to CRA.

    Q14. Are all Tire Suppliers required to report and remit to MMSB the environmental fee on the sale of new highway tires?

    A14. No. Tire Suppliers registered with MMSB as a Remitter must report the supply of new highway tires, rim diameter 24.5 inches or less, and remit the applicable fee per tire. As the fee on the sale of each new highway tire supplied in the province is to be remitted to MMSB only once, a Tire Supplier is exempt from reporting the supply of new highway tires and remitting the applicable environmental fee to MMSB when either of the following occurs:

    1. A Tire Supplier sources program tires exclusively from Remitter Tire Suppliers and has therefore been registered in the program as a Pay-on-Purchase (POP) Tire Supplier. In this instance, a Pay-on-Purchase (POP) Tire Supplier is required to pay applicable environmental fees to the Remitter upon the purchase of new program tires. However, as a POP Tire Supplier, you are subject to audits conducted by MMSB and you are also required to maintain and retain records of all transactions regarding program tires. Failure to provide this information during the auditing process will result in the environmental fee being charged.
    2. A Tire Supplier sells or distributes new program tires on a wholesale basis to a receiver that is registered as a Remitter with MMSB and the receiver of the product accepts full responsibility for reporting and remitting the environmental fee when it supplies the program tires to its customers. In this instance, to be exempt from reporting and remitting the environmental fee, the Tire Supplier must record on the receiver’s invoice the business name, address, registration number and the amount of the fee exempted. Failure to provide this information during the auditing process will result in the environmental fee being charged.

    Q15. Should a Tire Supplier pass on the environmental fee to its customers?

    A15. Remitter and Pay-on-Purchase (POP) Tire Suppliers can choose to recover the environmental fee by charging it to their customers. If the fee is passed through to the customer, the Tire Supplier must indicate the fee on the customer invoice or receipt. Remitters must report and remit the environmental fee on the supply of all tires, whether or not the fee has been collected from the customer.

    Used Tire Collection

    Q1. As a Tire Supplier, do I have to accept used tires from consumers?

    A1. Yes. All Tire Suppliers registered with MMSB’s Used Tire Management Program are required to accept program tires up to an amount equal to new program tires supplied to their customers, annually. There is no maximum number of tires that a retailer can collect from consumers. Consumers may leave up to four program tires with any Tire Supplier at one time, at no additional charge, regardless of where the tires were purchased. Any business that is not a Tire Supplier, but wishes to collect program tires as a valued-added customer service, can register with MMSB as a Collector by completing the program registration form. All registered Collectors must arrange pick up of used tires in accordance with program requirements.

    Q2. Do I have to accept all used tires?

    A2. No. Tire Suppliers are required to only accept program tires from consumers and provide temporary storage, as per program guidelines. Tires for off-the-road (OTR) vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, forklifts, farm machinery and non-highway construction equipment or any tires with a rim diameter greater than 24.5 inches are not included in the program. Tire Suppliers can contact their regional waste management authority or municipality for information on proper disposal of non-program tires.

    Q3. Why do used tires have to be in whole form?

    A3. Tires must be in whole form as the configuration of tire processing equipment is designed to accept and process tires in this manner. Tire fragments may cause interference and/or damage to the equipment and therefore are not accepted.

    Q4. How many used tires are required before I can arrange for pick-up?

    A4. A minimum of 30 program tires are required for pick-up at one time. There is no maximum number of used tires that can be scheduled for collection by MMSB at one time.

    Q5. Why are there a minimum number of 30 used tires required for collection by MMSB?

    A5. By requiring a minimum of 30 program tires, MMSB can maintain a financially viable and sustainable collection system.

    Q6. What should I do with non-program and/or ineligible tires that have been dumped illegally at my business? 

    A6. Tire Suppliers are responsible for the proper disposal of illegally dumped tires on their private property. Suppliers can contact their local waste management authority for information on proper disposal. To prevent illegal dumping of non-program tires, store tires in a secure area, out of sight to the public. It is also suggested that Suppliers affix signage on-site stating the area is under surveillance. If you have information about illegal tire dumping, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Calls are not traced or recorded, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.

    Q7. Is there a cost to have used tires collected?

    A7. The environmental fee covers the cost to collect and process tires. There is no additional charge to Tire Suppliers when scheduling pick-up of program tires with MMSB, providing that there is a minimum of 30 program tires that are clean, off rim and in an accessible storage location that allows loading directly onto the hauler’s truck. 

    Q8. What happens to the used tires collected through the program?

    A8. Tires collected through the program currently are shipped to an end market in Quebec and used as fuel in cement kilns. This displaces reliance on other fuel sources such as coal, a carbon emitting pollutant.

  • Illegal Dumping

    Q1. What is illegal dumping?

    A1. Illegal dumping is the disposal of unwanted waste in unauthorized areas. It is a serious and unnecessary problem that poses significant environmental, financial and social risks to our communities, polluting our land and water, negatively impacting wildlife and leading to substantial clean-up costs.

    Q2. What kinds of activities can I report through Crime Stoppers?

    A2. Crime Stoppers encourages the public to report information of any suspicious activity involving the improper disposal of waste (in particular, crimes in progress), as well as details on illegal dump site locations.

    Q3. How do I report information about illegal dumping?

    A3. Anyone can anonymously report suspicious activity by calling 1-800-222 -TIPS (8477), or submitting a Webtip through the Crime Stoppers Website. You can also text Crime Stoppers by texting TIP190 plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

    Q4. What happens once I report information about an activity involving illegal dumping?

    A4. The anonymous information is provided to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation. If law enforcement uses your information to help solve a crime, you may be eligible for an award of up to $2000. 

    Q5. What are the consequences for those convicted of illegal dumping?

    A5. In accordance with the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Protection Act, fines range from $500 to $10,000 for individuals and from $1,000 to $1 million for corporations convicted of illegal dumping.