The ENVIRO-DEPOT™ Network

Enviro-Depots are independent businesses licensed to accept beverage containers and leftover paint from the public on behalf of RRFB Nova Scotia. RRFB Nova Scotia's Enviro-Depots are a key part of Nova Scotia's successful recycling programs.

RRFB Nova Scotia's Beverage Container Deposit-Refund Program has attracted the attention of other nations around the world. The Program operates as a "half-back" consumer deposit-refund program. The consumer pays a deposit at point-of-sale and collects a refund when the containers are returned at an ENVIRO-DEPOT™.

Since the Program began ten years ago two billion beverage containers have been recycled through the ENVIRO-DEPOT™ network and municipal recycling programs.

In 2002, Enviro-Depots became the drop-off point for leftover paint as part of Nova Scotia's Paint Recycling Program.

Enviro-Depots are paid a handling fee to accept and sort the beverage containers and left over paint from the public. RRFB Nova Scotia then collects the containers and ships them to processing centres where they are baled for shipment to market.

Aluminum cans are processed into new aluminum; plastic bottles are chipped into flakes and exported for use in carpets, clothing and other plastic products; and leftover paint is recycled into new paint.

The ENVIRO-DEPOT™ network provides employment for about 300 Nova Scotians across the province - creating a cleaner environment AND a healthier economy.

• 83 Enviro-Depots across Nova Scotia licensed by RRFB Nova Scotia
• Accept recyclable beverage containers and leftover paint from consumers
• Pay consumers a refund for beverage containers on behalf of RRFB Nova Scotia
• Sort recyclable materials into categories ready for shipping
• Employ approximately 300 Nova Scotians
• All material collection and refunds to consumers are tracked by an advanced computerized ROCAPS™ system