Reducing waste in a wide geographic area can be a huge challenge. But Pictou County’s programs have been successful from the start. In 1991, Pictou County’s first recycling program was recognized as one of the top 25 in Canada. Six years later, curbside recycling was put in place and, two years after that, the collection of organic materials began - making Pictou County – Region 2B, the first region in Nova Scotia to supply organic collection service to all residences including cottages.

Since then, composting has caught on, recycling has increased by 45 per cent, and a Household Hazardous Waste Management Depot has opened at the Mount William Landfill Site. All Pictou County municipal sectors have approved a comprehensive Solid Waste-Resource Management Bylaw that specifies the use of clear bags for garbage. Recycling programs are in place in all local schools, senior citizens’ complexes and quick-service restaurants. For all these reasons Pictou County Solid Waste Management – Region 2B was awarded the Mobius Environmental Award for Region of the Year.