Pictou County Solid Waste Management System Overview

We are committed to these and other important things:

Source Separation		Communication and Enforcement
Businesses, institutions and residents are required to sort all waste into three categories: Recyclables, Compostables and Garbage.		To be successful in our waste diversion programs, Pictou County Solid Waste works closely with the businesses and residents to educate proper sorting and disposal. Our staff offer presentations to local schools, community groups and events such as the annual “Home Show” and “Exhibition”. Information is also promoted through the local media, an annual calendar, and a biweekly newsletter in The News. PCSW have a by-law in place and is used to enforce compliance in all levels of waste disposal.

Collection
All residential waste resources are collected on a biweekly schedule. Collection includes: 1 black or green bag, and up to 3 “clear” bags for garbage; unlimited “blue” bags for recyclables; and 1 organic green cart.

Transfer Station
The clear bag policy also applies to the Transfer Station ( one black bag per vehicle and unlimited clear bags). It is then transported to Guysborough's 2 nd Generation Landfill by means of a tractor trailer equipped with walking floors for dumping. The Transfer Station is open to the public. All vehicles are weighed. Any loads weighing less than 50 kg will be charged a $5 tipping fee.

Why We Need This System

On December 31, 2005, all 1 st Generation Landfills in Nova Scotia were closed by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.
As a community, the more we can reduce, reuse, recycle and compost, the less we will have to transport away for disposal. By following these programs, we will be utilizing the most economical solution for our Region as a whole.
We were mandated under Provincial Waste-Resource Management Regulations to achieve or surpass 50% waste diversion from landfills by 2000. We have reached this goal, and are now working towards 300kg / per person / per year by 2015.
Contractual agreements with Guysborough's 2 nd Generation Landfill, require us to exercise due diligence in the removal of provincially “banned” materials from the garbage. If contractual obligations are not met, we may be subject to penalties (i.e. paying higher disposal fees or having loads rejected outright).
To protect and conserve resources.

We Are Part of a Bigger Picture

The Nova Scotia government have set a new goal of 300 kg / per person / per year by 2015. Regions around the province are now working to meet this goal. To learn more about the provincial waste management strategy visit www.gov.ns.ca/enia/waste/.