Welcome to the Town of Yarmouth
On the Edge of Everywhere
Garbage, Recycling & Composting
Find Yarmouth’s waste, recycling and composting rules, pickup schedules and resources below.
At-a-glance
- Waste and recycling is collected curbside on scheduled days.
- Clear garbage bags only (solid-coloured bags rejected). One non-transparent privacy bag (max 20" x 22") allowed inside a clear bag for sanitary items.
- Recycling: 2 blue-bag system — one for paper, one for containers (glass, plastic, metal).
- Organics: Food and organics in green bin. To order, repair, or replace a green cart, contact Waste Check (902) 742-1312 or visit them at wastecheck.ca
- Special waste: Pharmaceuticals, household hazardous waste and electronics have separate programs — for more information you can contact Waste Check (902) 742-1312 or visit them at wastecheck.ca
- Business & multi-unit rules: Buildings with 5+ units are commercial and must provide appropriate bins and follow the Solid Waste Storage, Collection and Disposal By-Law.(221 KB)
Important changes and management
- As of Apr 1, 2024: only clear bags accepted at curb and transfer stations.
- As of Dec 1, 2025, recycling program managed by Circular Materials — more items are accepted. Click here to visit Circular Materials’ website for details and accepted materials list.
Waste Separation
Learn how to sort garbage, recycling, organics and waste wood, and where to drop off pharmaceuticals (e.g., needles) and electronics. Visit the Waste Check sorting guide page.
Collection Schedule
See when solid household waste will be picked up in your area. For more information go to Collection Schedule.
Composting
Learn about the benefits of saving organic waste, and why we compost. Visit the Waste Check composting page.
Household Hazardous Waste
Find out what to do with bleach, propane tanks, motor oil, and other hazardous materials that don't belong in the regular trash. Visit the Waste Check Household Hazardous Waste page.
Solid Waste Park
The Yarmouth County Solid Waste Park (1932 Hardscratch Rd) is jointly owned by the Municipality of Yarmouth, the Municipality of Argyle and the Town of Yarmouth. The Town operates the on-site Compost Facility serving Yarmouth and Digby counties. Visit the Waste Park Facebook page.
Waste Park Services and rules
- All residents and businesses must sort waste into three streams: garbage, recycling and organics.
- Residual garbage goes to the Transfer Station; recycling is sent to Scotia Recycling Ltd., Kentville.
- Residential hazardous materials (cleaners, pesticides, solvents, etc.) must be dropped off at the Waste Park for proper disposal.
- The C&D (construction & demolition) area separates wood, metals and asphalt shingles on site; remaining C&D materials are landfilled.
- Metals and white goods are baled and sold (currently to Limar Enterprises, NB).
- Waste wood is processed (chipped) on an annual cycle.
Fees and access
- Tipping and service fees apply. See Town Fees for current Waste Park rates, hours and accepted materials.
- Confirm acceptable materials, fees and hours before visiting.
Recycle Coach App
Looking for an easier way to manage your household waste? Download the free Waste Check Recycle Coach smartphone app from your favourite App Store. Get answers to all your waste/recycling questions instantly, including:
- A detailed pick-up schedule customized to your area with optional reminders to ensure you never lose track again
- Easy “What Goes Where?” search gives proper recycling/disposal information (no more guessing!)
- Keep important local contacts at your fingertips
- Find information on your local waste-handling facilities
- Get details on special dates and events in advance
Snow & Ice Management
The Operational Services Department manages snow and ice to keep streets, sidewalks and public spaces safe and passable for pedestrians, emergency services and properly equipped vehicles.
Areas we clear
- About 68 kilometres of streets.
- About 50 kilometres of sidewalks.
- Several municipal parking lots.
- Yard and operational areas at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Town Hall, RCMP building, Fire Hall and Public Works facility.
What you need to do
The town clears many streets and sidewalks, but residents and businesses must remove snow and ice from:
- Non-ploughed sidewalks and pathways beside their properties.
- Private steps, entrances and walkways.
- Dangerous or loose icicles and overhanging ice that could fall.
Learn more at Snow Removal.
For information on snowplows and parking, check Snow Plowing.
Roads & Sidewalks
The Road and Sidewalk Division of Operational Services looks after the town’s streets, sidewalks and curbs. That includes cleaning, routine maintenance and repairs, plus winter work such as snow and ice removal.
Services we provide
- Street cleaning and maintenance (scheduled street‑cleaner routes, repaving, and patching).
- Sidewalk cleaning and maintenance (inspections, repairs and replacements).
- Roadside cleaning and maintenance (mowing shoulders, clearing debris, ditching as needed).
- Sewer cleaning and maintenance (flushing, cleaning and video inspections).
- Storm drainage maintenance (catchbasin inspection, cleaning and replacement).
- Snow and ice removal on streets and sidewalks.
- Street and traffic sign maintenance.
How we maintain streets
Our street cleaner follows scheduled routes. Supervisory staff identify streets that need work; patching and paving projects are put out to tender and completed by contractors. Potholes, cracks, ruts and cuts from utility work are patched as needed. For current contracting work, see Tenders & Results.
How we maintain sidewalks
Supervisory staff run an annual sidewalk inspection program to find hazardous sections, broken curbs, and places where asphalt sidewalks need replacing. Repair and replacement work is contracted out.
Roadside maintenance
We keep gravel shoulders in good condition, mow roadside areas and remove debris. Ditching is done where necessary to keep stormwater flowing freely.
Water and sewer maintenance
Operational Services maintains the sewer collection system and performs an annual flushing, cleaning and video inspection program (contracted out). We also run an annual watermain flushing program every April and carry out maintenance and repairs on the town’s water mains and distribution system. This system delivers drinking water to all homes and businesses in the Town of Yarmouth and some in Yarmouth County.
Fire hydrant checks
We inspect and maintain hydrants each spring and fall so they are ready for use by the Fire Department.
Storm drainage
We inspect, clean and replace catchbasins and perform other storm drainage maintenance on a regular schedule.
Your responsibilities
Operational Services clears snow and ice from many streets and sidewalks, but winter safety is a shared responsibility. For details about what the town does and what property owners must do, read the Snow Removal information and the pdf Streets and Sidewalks By-law(247 KB) .
Report a problem
Please give us a call or report a problem. We appreciate your help.
Office: 902-742-9423
Public Works emergencies - 1-833-460-8709
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m
Permits
For construction or special use of a street, you will need to submit a permit application, which can be found on Permits, Applications, and Licences. To submit the application, either fax it or drop it off at the Public Works Department:
Public Works Building
227 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2K2
Tel: (902) 742-9423
Fax: (902) 742-8624
The appropriate people will review the application and contact the applicant. For any other inquiries, please contact the Operational Services Department.
