Over a year after Saint John required landlords of large apartment buildings to provide recycling, 70 percent remain unregistered. This leaves many tenants throwing cardboard and plastic into the regular garbage.

The city compels owners of buildings with at least four units to sign up for free recycling services on behalf of their tenants. According to a recent report from CBC News, only 30 percent of these larger buildings have registered.

Tenants Left Without Options

Saint John decommissioned its central recycling depots in 2022. The city rolled out curbside pickup for smaller buildings that same year. Tenants in larger buildings waited until last year for a solution.

Ashraf Hussain lives in a four floor building in Saint John. His building lost its cardboard collection services after a change in management. Hussain relies on public transit. He cannot easily transport his recycling to the Crane Mountain landfill 18 kilometres away.

He and his neighbours now throw their recyclables into a large communal garbage bin in the parking lot.

City Plans to Enforce Fines

City public works director Tim O’Reilly says the city currently focuses on educating landlords and tenants. Officials encourage tenants to ask their building owners to register for the service.

The city set a new registration deadline of May 31. Buildings that sign up by this date will receive services starting in November.

O’Reilly confirms the city will eventually move toward strict enforcement. Landlords who refuse to comply face fines ranging from $150 to $2,100 per offence.

If you need information on recycling services for your apartment, you can call the city at 506 658 4455 or email service@saintjohn.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for setting up apartment recycling in Saint John?

Property owners must sign up for the recycling service on behalf of their tenants.

Is the recycling service free for landlords?

Yes. The recycling service offered by the non profit Circular Materials is free for registered buildings.

What happens if a landlord refuses to register?

The city will issue fines to non compliant owners. These penalties range from $150 to $2,100 per offence.

When is the next registration deadline?

Landlords must register by May 31 to begin receiving recycling services in November.