Starting October 1, Calgarians can recycle more packaging materials through their blue carts and community recycling depots.
The provincial government expanded its residential sorting rules under Alberta’s new Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
The updated guidelines aim to divert thousands of tonnes of everyday packaging materials away from landfills.
The expanded program gives residents more opportunities to recycle common household packaging that previously belonged in the garbage.
Materials that will now be accepted in blue carts, include foam packaging like takeout containers and egg cartons. Some other materials that can be thrown in the blue carts are aerosols, plastic bags and wrappers, toothpaste tubes and deodorant containers.
“For Calgarians, recycling is part of everyday life, and this change means more of the packaging residents use can now be recycled through the city’s residential recycling system,” said Sharon Howland, Leader, Program Management, Waste & Recycling Services. “It’s a practical improvement that makes recycling easier and more convenient for households across the city while supporting a more consistent recycling system across Alberta.”
To ensure processing equipment handles these materials smoothly, city staff urge residents to keep recyclable items clean, empty, and dry.
Residents must rinse out leftover food or liquid residue completely before disposal. Residents should drop items loosely into the bin rather than grouping them inside tied plastic bags.
Pickup schedules and collection days remain completely unchanged for all residential neighborhoods.
Additionally, homeowners will not see rate increases on their ENMAX monthly utility statements. Under the new provincial framework, product manufacturers cover the bulk of recycling operations. As a result, the city reduced annual blue cart fees for single-family homes earlier this year.
The expanded service applies to single-family houses and multi-family residential complexes alike. Condo boards and building managers can connect with Circular Materials to secure free collection services and updated sorting guidance immediately.
Residents can get more information about the new recycling program and view the complete list of accepted materials at calgary.ca/recyclemore
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