Under the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling system, producers—businesses that supply packaging and paper—are financially responsible and accountable for those materials over their full life cycle. This policy approach is recognized as one of the most effective ways to improve recycling rates and advance a circular economy where materials are collected, recycled and looped back into the system to be used again and again. 

Planned to be operational in early 2027 near the Burnside Industrial Park (Halifax Regional Municipality), the facility will feature the newest generation of mechanical sorting technologies, including near-infrared (NIR) optical sorters and advanced imaging systems designed and manufactured by industry experts, CP Group. This leading-edge equipment will increase recovery, improve material quality and ensure more packaging and paper products are recycled and looped back into the economy.  

“This is a significant milestone for recycling in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia,” said Allen Langdon, CEO, Circular Materials. “By modernizing post-collection infrastructure, we are strengthening system resilience, supporting innovation and improving recycling outcomes for residents, producers and the environment.” 

The new Halifax facility will: 

• Deliver stronger environmental outcomes so more materials are recycled into new packaging and products;  

• Optimize transportation and logistics across both provinces; and 

• Strengthen supply-chain partnerships, working with existing infrastructure in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, which will continue to play a critical role in receiving and transferring collected material. 

This investment reflects Circular Materials’ commitment to working with communities, existing facilities and partners across both provinces. “Collaboration is key,” added Andrew Philopoulos, Managing Director, Atlantic Canada. “We’re working closely with governments, program administrators, producers and municipal partners to ensure a smooth transition. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient recycling system that delivers long-term benefits for our communities and our environment.” 

“The Municipal Group is proud of REgroup’s collaboration with Circular Materials on this transformative project,” said Ken MacLean, Vice President & General Counsel of Municipal Group of Companies. “As an Atlantic-based organization, we’re deeply invested in advancing recycling innovation right here at home through our affiliated companies. REgroup’s facility represents a major step forward in material recovery, technology, and environmental stewardship for our region.” 

The facility will be owned and operated by REgroup, with construction and installation carried out by qualified suppliers in accordance with the successful proposal.  Funded by producers under the extended producer responsibility framework, this investment will benefit residents, communities and the environment.  

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MEDIA CONTACT: media@circularmaterials.ca 

About Circular Materials – Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO) that supports producers in meeting their extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations across Canada. Created by producers for producers, Circular Materials develops, implements and supports effective and efficient recycling programs to advance innovation, deliver improved environmental outcomes and drive value across the recycling supply chain. Our full-service offerings include collection, management, promotion and education, and reporting.  

Together, we are advancing the circular economy where materials are collected, recycled and can be returned to producers for use as recycled content in new products and packaging. As we develop enhanced recycling systems across Canada, we work to ensure more materials are looped into the circular economy, benefiting both people and the environment. Learn more at circularmaterials.ca. 

About REgroup and The Municipal Group of Companies – 

The Municipal Group of Companies is an integrated group of diversified businesses based in Atlantic Canada. At our core, we build and preserve our communities’ infrastructure through work in civil construction, environmental remediation, recycling and waste management with over thirty affiliated companies including Dexter Construction, REgroup and Fero Waste & Recycling. For over 50 years, we’ve served Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and beyond, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, the United States, and the Caribbean region.    

Known as REgroup, Royal Environmental Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary within the Municipal Group of Companies providing complete waste management solutions to commercial and residential customers. Our extensive range of products and services includes facility operations, garbage collection, recycling, roll-off container and dumpster rentals, composting and organics collection, and portable sanitation.