1. Know Your Responsibilities
Nova Scotia business owners are responsible by law to provide receptacles that allow the public or employees to sort waste. Improperly sorted waste costs more money, may result in the waste being rejected and is against the law. For more information on provincial regulations, click here.

2. Have a Waste Policy
Clearly define roles and responsibilities for your staff and help them understand why they need to sort waste. Include the procedures and guidelines for your recycling program in all employee orientation and occupational health and safety sessions.

3. Know the Sorting Guidelines for your Municipality
Different municipalities can have different sorting rules, so ensure that you have current copies of your municipality’s waste sorting guides click here., and have them posted clearly for your employees to use as a reference.

4. Conduct a Waste Audit
Work with your staff to determine the kinds of waste that you generate, and where they are currently being put so you can target which items you can reduce, reuse, recycle or compost. For a guide to conducting a waste audit click here.

5. Train Your Staff
Training your staff regularly and ensuring new employees know ‘what goes where’ is essential to your success.

6. Choose a Champion
Talk to your staff; find out who wants to lead the recycling challenge for your business.

7. Help Customers Sort it Out
Make it easy for customers to sort waste. Set up properly designed bins for sorting organics, recyclables and garbage.

8. Maintain Proper Signage
click here for some downloadable signs. Recycling containers should be clearly marked with illustrated signs at eye level. Customising the signs with photographs of your business waste will help customers and staff sort waste properly.

9. Promote Your Program
Promote your business’s recycling efforts in-house, and in your community through the media and local events.

10. Find out More
For more information, contact Region 6 Solid Waste Management at 902-354-3709 or your local Waste Reduction Coordinator.