Recyclables Require Two Bags After June 1st

Dual stream recycling is almost a reality for all of Cumberland County.

Oxford Town Council gave approval to a change in the town’s solid waste disposal bylaw that requires residents to separate recyclables: plastics, glass, and cans into one bag, with paper and cardboard products in another.

The step is in keeping with Amherst and the Municipality of Cumberland, making the program county wide.

Cumberland was the only area of the province to allow all recyclables in one bag, referred to as “single stream”. The move brings the county in line with the rest of Nova Scotia, and paves the way to dispose of county waste through other recycling facilities.

The need become crucial following the fire last September which destroyed the county’s only recycling facility. Whether that facility is rebuilt or not, the county had little choice but to get in line with the rest of the province.

The move will be phased in beginning June 1st. Residents will be asked to voluntarily separate their recyclables for six months. Then, on December 1st it will be mandatory. After that date, unsorted recyclables may be rejected at the curb.

The county will attempt an educational campaign beginning next month, including newspaper and radio advertising, along with information through social media.