Bigger Blue Cart trial helps Calgarians recycle more

Calgary, AB –The City has begun testing a larger blue cart with 50 per cent more capacity inside. Aimed at addressing the increased recycling needs of some Blue Cart customers, the larger blue cart gives households added convenience at no extra cost.

“While the standard blue cart works for the majority of Calgary households, we’ve received calls from some households whose blue carts are usually full to the brim before collection day and are looking for ways to make it easier to recycle their extra material,” says Waste Diversion Specialist Parnell Legg.

Up to 200 voluntary participants across Calgary will see their standard 240-litre blue cart replaced with a 360-litre version to help aid in the extra recycling these households produce

The larger blue cart is also a cost-effective approach to providing homes added capacity.

“Since the larger carts are compatible with our existing recycling trucks, it costs the same to pick them up,” explains Legg.

The year-long trial will measure overall customer experience and monitor any operational issues associated with the use of larger carts. If the trial is successful, The City will make the larger blue cart more widely available, giving residents another convenient option to help them recycle more and send fewer valuable resources to City landfills.

If you are interested in participating in the trial, please contact 311 or visit calgary.ca/moreblue for details.

Onward/ The City provides convenient blue cart recycling service. 80/20 Waste Reduction Plan: By 2020, per capita waste sent to City of Calgary landfills is reduced from 2007 levels by 80 per cent.

-30-