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  • Recycling Programs
    • Used Beverage Containers
    • Used Tires
    • Electronics Recycling Program
    • Oil & Glycol Recycling Program
    • Paint Recycling Program
    • Beverage Container Recycling Network of Canada
  • Waste Education
    • Think Green at Home
    • Think Green at School
    • Think Green at Work
    • Curbside Recycling
    • Composting
    • Champions For A Greener Future
    • Illegal Dumping
    • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
    • Recycling Signage
    • Circular Economy Month
    • Holiday Tips
  • Funding Opportunities
    • Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund
    • Community Waste Diversion Fund
    • Compost Bin Distribution Program
    • Get Matched! School Recycling Program
    • Partnerships and Other Initiatives
  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • What We Do
    • History & Impact
    • Our Partners
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    • Contact Us
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Home
  • Frequently Asked Questions
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  • About Curbside Recycling in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Beverage Distributors
  • Green Depot Xpress
  • Illegal Dumping
  • Payment Policy for Green Depot Xpress Account Holders
  • Recycling Tires
  • Schools and Non-Profits
  • The Deposit-Refund Program
  • Tire Suppliers and Collectors
  • What’s Accepted / Not Accepted

About Curbside Recycling in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • You may see your recycling and garbage being loaded into the same truck – but this does not mean it is going to the same location! Recycling infrastructure varies between communities, with some using a split truck to collect garbage and recycling at the same time while others have a designated vehicle. Some smaller areas may even use a pickup truck and sort the materials later.

    While recycling is collected in different ways, the main thing is that it all ends up at a materials recovery facility to be processed and begin its recycling journey.

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  • Currently, curbside recycling is available to 83% of residents in the province. There are some regions and communities that do not currently offer curbside services at this time. 

    For information about availability of services in your area, contact your regional waste management authority or municipality.

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  • Next to reducing and reusing our waste, recycling is one of the easiest and most effective ways that we can personally protect our environment and fight against climate change. We encourage residents to consider reducing the amount packaging they are purchasing and choose more reusable and environmentally-conscious options.

    A lot of materials that are accepted through blue bag programs are currently being thrown in the garbage. If this material was recycled rather than disposed, residents could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 157,000 tonnes across Newfoundland and Labrador—the equivalent to taking 47,000 vehicles off the road!

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  • The types of materials accepted in curbside programs can vary between jurisdictions. This could be related to several factors, such as available markets for the material types, contamination risk to other materials, equipment used, and population size, to name a few. While some items have the potential to be recycled, there may not be an economically viable demand for them, or they may cause serious problems in terms of contamination of other materials or damage to equipment.

    While we want to ideally recycle as much material as possible, it is important that regional waste management authorities and municipalities only accept items that make sense for the functionality and feasibility of programs in the province. Currently, this is the case for Styrofoam and plastic film. For example, some Styrofoam can break up easily, causing contamination of other material placed in the same bag. Additionally, Styrofoam markets are limited and have very high standards, even though the market value is low. In terms of plastic film, such as bread bags or food wrap, this material can contaminate other materials, cause damage to sorting and processing equipment by getting tangled, and has a low demand.

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  • While glass is accepted to be recycled in many jurisdictions, this material type can pose challenges to curbside collection which is why it is not currently accepted in local programs. That said, many glass used beverage containers like wine and spirits are recyclable at your local Green Depot.

    In developing programs in this province, jurisdictions consulted with several Canadian municipalities running a curbside recycling program to understand what they might do differently if they could start all over again. The number one response we heard back was to not include glass because:

    • Broken glass is an occupational health and safety issue for recycling sorters.
    • Shards of broken glass can contaminate other recycling material.
    • Glass has a very low market value and low demand, which often leads to the materials being stockpiled or sent to a landfill.

    MMSB is committed to fostering innovative waste reduction initiatives and remains open to exploring new projects focused on glass recycling. Over the years, we have funded and actively considered projects involving the recycling of non-beverage container glass (such as glass pasta or jam jars) to expand waste diversion efforts across the province.  

    MMSB’s curbside waste audit data shows that less than 2% of  what is put in the garbage in this province is glass jars and bottles. This is likely a reflection of a reduction in the use of glass packaging by manufacturers.

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  • If you look at the bottom of a container, you may notice a symbol consisting of a number surrounded by a triangle (or three arrows that make a recycling symbol). This is called the resin identification code. Many people think that this symbol means that the packaging can be recycled, however it’s just an indicator of the type of plastic used in the product.

    Residents should not rely on these codes to determine whether packaging can be recycled curbside. Instead, refer to the “What’s Accepted” list provided on this webpage or your local waste management authority or municipality’s website.

    For more information on what the numbers mean on plastic containers, visit: Plastic Action Centre

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  • We recycle over 19 million pounds of curb-side material right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, we know we could recycle a lot more!

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Beverage Distributors

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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:

    P.O. Box 8131, Station A
    St. John’s, NL  A1B 3M9

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  • 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.

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Green Depot Xpress

  • No. However, anyone can donate to a community group or charity Xpress account simply by entering the corresponding account telephone number.

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  • To collect your refund, you can call or email your local depot to request your payout. 

    Green Depots are independently owned and operated therefore, if you have used more than one location you will need to request the payment from each. There are two exceptions, Ever Green Recycling and Scotia Recycling. Each of these enterprises have more than one location, but when you contact their head office, they will issue a payment for what you have at all of their locations.

    Depots offer a variety of payment options, cash in-person ($50 or less), cheque, or online payment (only available at select locations). Please contact your depot for full details regarding payment options.

    Green Depot contact information can be found here: Find a Green Depot.

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  • You can check your Xpress account balance at your local Green Depot by using the Xpress Self-Serve kiosk, or asking an employee for assistance whenever needed. For security purposes, your PIN will be required to access your Xpress account balance and to make withdrawals.

    Note: Please remember that because Green Depots operate as independent businesses, your balance will be specific to the Green Depot location where you dropped off your recyclables (some exceptions apply, please check with your local Green Depot for more information).

    Find a Green Depot

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  • Within 10 calendar days of dropping off your recyclables, your beverage containers will be counted, and your refund will be credited to your account. If you provided an email address during registration, you will receive electronic confirmation of your drop-off, an automated receipt including a summary of the number and types of recyclables counted, and the amount credited to your account.

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  • Charities, community groups, and schools must contact their local Green Depot to request a cheque payment of refunds that have been donated to their Xpress account.

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  • Yes! You can access your Xpress account and print labels at any Green Depot location using your Xpress account phone number.

    Since Green Depots operate as independent businesses, account balances are not consolidated. This means your balance is specific to the Green Depot location where you dropped off your recyclables (some exceptions apply, please check with your local Green Depot for more information).

    Find a Green Depot

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  • Once you have registered for an Xpress account, you can drop your bags for processing during regular business hours at any Green Depot.

    It’s as easy as 1-2-3:

    1. Head to the Xpress drop-off location and login to your account using the phone number.
    2. Enter the number of labels that you want to print, then attach one to each bag of beverage containers.
    3. Leave your bags in the designated area and go! In 5-15 business days, your refund will be credited to your account.
    Find a Green Depot

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  • When you register for an Xpress account, the phone number you provide is automatically assigned as your account number. Your mailing address is required for the Green Depots to be able to issue cheque payments for Xpress payouts.

    Additionally, collecting your personal information allows us to confirm your identity if you need to withdraw funds or update your Xpress account.

    To learn how we protect your information and the limits on how we use it, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 

    Occasionally, MMSB may also communicate with you to provide related information on Green Depot products, services, programs, or contests.

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  • Anyone can drop off recyclables at any Green Depot without an Xpress account by using counter service. However, we like to encourage registration to help you experience the ease and convenience of dropping off your beverage containers and withdrawing cash from your Xpress account at a time convenient for you.

    You can learn more about Green Depot Xpress, how it works, and how to register here.

    Learn More

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  • Yes, anyone can register for an Xpress account – individuals, businesses, charities, and community groups!

    You can learn more about Green Depot Xpress, how it works, and how to register here.

    Learn More

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  • Check with your local Green Depot for information.

    Find a Green Depot

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  • You can make changes to your Xpress account information or retrieve your PIN by visiting any Green Depot and providing photo identification to a staff member, who will be happy to assist you.

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  • Green Depot Xpress is a faster, easier way to recycle your beverage containers at Green Depots throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Once you register for an Xpress account, simply drop off your beverage containers at your local Green Depot for later processing. Your refund will be deposited into your Xpress account between five to fifteen business days.

    You can learn more about Green Depot Xpress, how it works, and how to register here.

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Illegal Dumping

  • Residents and businesses can properly dispose of waste and recyclables using curbside collection services, special collection events, and public drop-off locations such as Green Depots, waste management facilities, and transfer stations.

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  • 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.

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  • The potential environmental impacts of illegal dumping are significant. Illegally dumped materials, such as construction debris, furniture and appliances, propane tanks, cars, and other items can leak contaminants into local ecosystems, harming plants and wildlife.

    In addition, illegal dumping encourages more dumping – and abandoned garbage such as litter, even in small amounts, can quickly accumulate.

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  • Any anonymous information collected will be 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 $2,000.

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  • Anyone can anonymously report suspicious activity by calling 1-800-222 -TIPS (8477) or submitting an online tip through NL Crime Stoppers.

    You can also download the free and secure P3 Tips App in your device’s App store.

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  • Crime Stoppers encourages the public to report information of any suspicious activity involving the improper disposal of waste – in particular, crimes in progress and/or details on illegal dump site locations.

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  • 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.

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Payment Policy for Green Depot Xpress Account Holders

  • For Xpress account holders who have a balance of $100 or more, depots are required to automatically payout the account balance. Notice from the customer is not required if the account balance has reached $100 or more.

    Depots will issue payments to customers based on the customer’s previous methods of receiving payment.

    Please note: Customers are encouraged to call their local depot if they require changes to their contact information to ensure balances can be paid efficiently. If using more than one depot, be sure to contact each location as recycling balances are specific to the depot that you use to drop-off recycling.

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Recycling Tires

  • No. A consumer only pays the recycling levy once – when the tire is first purchased.

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  • Any individual consumer can leave their used tires with any tire retailer in the province free of charge. A recycling levy is only charged to the consumer on the sale of a new tire.

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  • Yes, if 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 (in whole form, free of mud and debris, and must have the rims removed).

    For bulk tire collection (more than 50), contact Hebert’s Recycling Inc. (709-747-4789) to schedule pick-up. Tires must be accessible by truck and separated from other garbage.

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  • Any tires classified for ATV, off-the-road, forklift, and other industrial purposes are not included in the Used Tire Recycling Program. Contact your local landfill operator for information on disposal.

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  • 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 Eastern, Central, and Western Newfoundland. Used tires cannot be recycled with the rims on.

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  • 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 also drop off tires for collection by MMSB at any of the bulk waste transfer facilities in Eastern, Central, and Western Newfoundland.

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  • MMSB proudly has an in-province recycling solution for used tires in Newfoundland and Labrador. Used tires collected in this province are processed into tire derived aggregate (TDA) by Coastal Tire Recycling at a facility in Conception Bay South.

    TDA is an engineered product made by mechanically shredding scrap tires. It is used in a broad range of civil engineering applications, the majority of which occurs in the construction industry for projects such as road building and repair, transportation infrastructure, commercial and residential building, and landfill design and construction.

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Schools and Non-Profits

  • MMSB is unable to expand the Get Matched! Program beyond K-12 schools as it is not financially feasible due to the high volume of community groups and charities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our efforts to match recycling refunds for K-12 schools throughout the province are meant to encourage responsible waste habits among youth and to help schools raise money that can be reinvested in environmental initiatives.

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  • Many non-profit groups collect beverage containers to raise funds. You can donate by giving your beverage containers directly to the group or by putting your beverage containers on that group’s Xpress account at the Green Depot.

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  • Any K-12 public or private school in Newfoundland and Labrador can register with the Get Matched! School Recycling Program each year. Once a school is registered, MMSB will match the amount of the school’s recycling refund and provide the matching funds through a monthly payment to the school.

    You can help bolster a school’s refund by donating your recyclable beverage containers directly to the school – OR, when dropping off beverage containers at a Green Depot by informing a staff member that you want your containers to count for a particular school (this is important because account balances cannot later be transferred to a school account and will not qualify for the matching refund payment).

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The Deposit-Refund Program

  • When a customer does not return their used containers to a Green Depot for recycling, the full amount of the recycling deposit applied to the container is used to supplement the cost of running the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program.

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  • A portion of the deposit you pay – 3 cents for non-alcoholic containers and 10 cents for alcoholic containers – is used to cover the cost of recycling. This includes administration, handling, transportation, and processing costs.

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  • Green Depots are independently owned and operated enterprises that are licensed by MMSB to help carry out the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program. MMSB pays each Green Depot a per-container handling fee. MMSB also provides support to the Green Depots through special funding opportunities and marketing initiatives. MMSB ensures consistency among all Green Depots through our Green Depot Licensing Standards.

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Tire Suppliers and Collectors

  • There is no charge to Tire Suppliers when scheduling pick-up of program tires with MMSB, providing that there is a minimum of 50 program tires that are clean, off-rim, and in an accessible storage location that allows loading directly onto the hauler’s truck. The environmental levy covers the cost to collect and process tires.

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  • 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.

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  • By requiring a minimum of 50 program tires, MMSB can maintain a financially viable and sustainable collection system.

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  • A minimum of 50 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.

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  • Tires must be in whole form as the configuration of tire processing equipment is designed to accept and process tires in this manner.

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  • No. Tire Suppliers are required to only accept program tires from consumers and provide temporary storage, as per program guidelines. Additionally, Tire Suppliers are only required to accept clean tires with rims removed.

    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.

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  • 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. Additionally, Tire Suppliers are only required to accept clean tires with rims removed. 

    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.

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

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  • 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 levy per tire. As the levy 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 levy 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 levies 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 levy 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 levy when it supplies the program tires to its customers. In this instance, to be exempt from reporting and remitting the environmental levy, the Tire Supplier must record on the receiver’s invoice the business name, address, registration number and the amount of the levy exempted. Failure to provide this information during the auditing process will result in the environmental levy being charged.

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

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  • Yes. The environmental levy 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.

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

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  • 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 levy 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 levy exempted. If a wholesaler fails to provide this information during the auditing process, it will be charged all applicable environmental levies.

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  • 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 levies to the Remitter, upon the purchase of new program tires, which in turn exempts the Tire Supplier from reporting and remitting environmental levies 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.

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  • Yes. The levy 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.

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  • Yes.

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

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  • Where the tires are replaced under warranty at a charge to the consumer, the environmental levy 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 levy is not applied to the replacement tires.

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  • Yes. An environmental levy 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 levy 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.

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

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  • No. The environmental levy is 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.

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  • The environmental levy 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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.ca or in hard copy to the attention of Compliance Auditor at MMSB’s address:

    P.O. Box 8131, Station A
    St. John’s, NL  A1B 3M9

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  • 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.

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  • 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 auditor@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.

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What’s Accepted / Not Accepted

  • To help Green Depot operators and staff perform their jobs as safely and effectively as possible, it’s important they be able to clearly identify the containers they receive to ensure they are included in the Beverage Container Recycling Program, so labels should be left on wherever possible.

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  • There are several reasons:

    • Green Depot operators and staff must be able to clearly identify what product container is being returned, and crushed or flattened containers can be difficult to identify.
    • To ensure the health and safety of Green Depot staff, there’s a maximum weight that each bulk bag can accommodate based on the number of containers. When containers are crushed or flattened, more of them can fit into bulk bags, putting them over the acceptable weight limits.
    • When containers are processed, they are compacted into large cubes called bales. Containers that have been crushed or flattened often won’t take the right shape and join with other containers in a bale, resulting in inadequate bales that could be rejected by our partners in the next step of the recycling journey or have to be disposed of in a landfill.

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  • Milk, goat’s milk, and fortified plant-based milk beverages like soy, almond, and oat beverages, as defined under the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations, are deemed essential nutritional products, and as such, no recycling deposit is charged. For this reason, milk cartons are not accepted for refund at the Green Depot.

    The exception applies to milk alternatives that are labelled as “fortified plant-based beverages” and “not sources of protein.” These beverages are included in the Used Beverage Container Recycling Program and are accepted at Green Depot.

    Note: Milk containers are accepted in curb-side recycling, where programs are available.

    Learn More

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  • Refillable beer bottles are not part of MMSB’s Used Beverage Container Recycling Program because local beer brewers such as Labatt, Molson, and Quidi Vidi operate an independent deposit-refund system. 

    As an added service for their customers, some Green Depot locations will accept refillable beer bottles. Please call your local depot to confirm whether refillable beer bottles are accepted as well as the amount of the refund. Find your Green Depot location here. 

    Refillable bottles can be returned to some beer retailers or to bottle depots to receive a refund.

    Note: ALL imported beer bottles and beer cans purchased in the province are accepted through MMSB’s program and can be returned to a Green Depot for refund.

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  • The Green Depot network is comprised of a network of independently owned and operated businesses. Some locations offer services that are separate from the used beverage container licensing agreement with MMSB, meaning services offered will vary from location to location.

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  • All FAQ
  • About Curbside Recycling in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Beverage Distributors
  • Green Depot Xpress
  • Illegal Dumping
  • Payment Policy for Green Depot Xpress Account Holders
  • Recycling Tires
  • Schools and Non-Profits
  • The Deposit-Refund Program
  • Tire Suppliers and Collectors
  • What’s Accepted / Not Accepted

Find a Green Depot

There’s a Green Depot near you! Find out where you can start recycling today.

FAQ

Find out answers to some common questions on our FAQ page.

Funding Opportunities

Learn about our funding programs, supporting sustainable communities across NL.

Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
  • Recycling Programs
    • Used Beverage Containers
    • Used Tires
    • Electronics Recycling Program
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    • Circular Economy Month
    • Holiday Tips
  • Funding Opportunities
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    • Get Matched! School Recycling Program
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