Calgarians can recycle more starting October 1
New recyclable packaging materials accepted in blue carts under Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
Starting October 1, Calgarians will be able to recycle more packaging materials through their blue carts and community recycling depots as Alberta expands residential recycling programs under its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The expanded program gives residents more opportunities to recycle common household packaging that previously belonged in the garbage.
Newly accepted materials include:
- Foam packaging such as foam blocks, takeout containers and egg cartons.
- Food and body aerosols such as cooking spray, sunscreen and hairspray.
- Flexible plastic bags and wrappers such as chip bags and granola bar wrappers.
- Tubes such as toothpaste 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 materials can be successfully sorted and recycled, all recyclables should be empty, clean and loose before being placed in blue carts.
- Empty containers of liquids and food residue.
- Clean containers by rinsing or wiping them out.
- Place recyclables loose in the cart, not in bags.
The City of Calgary will continue collecting blue carts on the current collection schedule, with no changes to pickup service.
Residents will not see any changes to their ENMAX bills when the new recycling changes take effect on October 1. Through Alberta's EPR framework, producers are taking on most of the costs of residential recycling. As a result, The City's Blue Cart fee for single-family households was reduced on April 1, 2025, saving households $7.17 annually.
The expanded program applies to both single-family households and multi-family properties. Multi-family property managers and condo boards can register with Circular Materials to access free recycling collection services and the expanded list of accepted materials.
Residents can learn more about the new recycling program and view the complete list of accepted materials at calgary.ca/recyclemore or contact 311 for assistance.
NOTE to media: City-provided b-roll will be posted on the Newsroom later today and can be accessed here, when available.
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About Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework:
The expanded list of accepted materials is part of Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, which creates a more consistent residential recycling system across the province. Residents across Alberta will be able to recycle the same accepted packaging materials, regardless of where they live. Under EPR, producers such as manufacturers and brands are responsible for managing the packaging and paper products they supply once those materials become waste. The first phase of Alberta's EPR regulations came into effect on April 1, 2025. The second phase expands the range of materials accepted in residential recycling programs.