Home / Environment / Calgary Blue Carts Get Major Recycling Upgrade
Calgary Blue Carts Get Major Recycling Upgrade
1 Oct
Summary
- Calgary expands blue cart recycling to include flexible packaging, foam, and tubes.
- Provincial extended producer responsibility program shifts costs to manufacturers.
- Multi-family properties now included in the expanded EPR recycling initiative.
Beginning Thursday, Calgary residents will benefit from an expanded blue cart recycling program. This initiative allows for the recycling of a broader array of household packaging and paper products, including flexible bags and wrappers, foam packaging like egg cartons and takeout containers, and various tubes and aerosol canisters.
The expanded recycling capabilities are a direct result of Alberta's provincial extended producer responsibility (EPR) program. This program mandates that manufacturers manage their packaging waste after its use. Producers are now responsible for collecting, sorting, processing, and funding the recycling of the materials they introduce to the market.
This provincial policy, which began for single-family homes in April 2025, is now being extended to include multi-family properties. The EPR system is designed to standardize recycling across the province and reduce recycling fees for residents. Single-family homes have already seen savings of over $7 per month since the program's inception.
Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit, is overseeing the operational aspects of recycling collection in Calgary. The GFL sorting facility in Rocky View County has been upgraded to accommodate the newly eligible materials. Residents are reminded to ensure all recyclables are empty and clean to facilitate processing and prevent damage to equipment.
