Calgary Residents Can Recycle New Materials Thanks to EPR Program Expansion

Starting Oct. 1, Calgarians are now able to recycle new items like foam packaging, takeout containers, egg cartons, and various plastic bags, which were previously unrecyclable. This expansion of the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program is a practical improvement that makes recycling easier and more convenient for households across the city.

Under the new rules, multi-family property managers will also be eligible for free recycling collection services through Circular Materials. The expansion aims to support a more consistent recycling system across Alberta, with producers contributing roughly $110 million towards recycling costs.

City of Calgary residents will see no change to their current blue cart pickup or Enmax waste and recycling collection bills. The city advises that empty containers should be cleared of liquids and food residue, and wiped out and rinsed before recycling, with all recyclables placed loose in the carts.

The EPR program, implemented in Alberta in 2022, encourages producers to design better products and packaging, support reuse, and use less material. This latest expansion is part of a two-phase program, with this being the second phase.

“This change means more of the packaging residents use can now be recycled through the city’s residential recycling system,” said Sharon How, Leader of 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.”