Enhanced Recycling System in Alberta

EPR is a framework that shifts the responsibility for funding and managing recycling programs from municipalities to producers – companies that supply packaging and paper to residents. This approach encourages innovation, improves efficiency, raises recycling standards, and increases access to recyclable materials. 

No, under the EPR framework, producers – the companies that supply packaging and paper – are responsible for funding and managing the recycling program. This means municipalities and taxpayers no longer pay for recycling services as this cost is now paid by producers. 

In line with Alberta’s EPR regulation, communities that introduced curbside garbage collection by April 1, 2025, are eligible to receive curbside recycling services starting October 1, 2026. This expansion ensures that more Albertans have access to convenient recycling options, reducing the need for trips to depots and increasing participation in recycling programs. 

Once collected, your recyclables are transported to specialized receiving facilities or pre-conditioning facilities where they are sorted by material type. These materials are then processed and sent to recycling facilities to be turned into new products, conserving resources. 

The expansion requires significant planning, infrastructure upgrades and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. This includes setting up new collection systems, upgrading sorting facilities and ensuring producers are ready to manage the expanded program. The October 1, 2026, launch date ensures everything is in place for a successful rollout. 

Starting October 1, 2026, you’ll be able to recycle additional materials right at your curb and at all depots across Alberta, including: 

• Glass containers (where it is not currently being accepted) 
• Foam packaging like meat trays and take out containers. 
• Flexible plastic packaging like chip packets, pet food bags and stretchy plastic bags. 
• Aerosol containers 

A full list of accepted materials will be available for download in coming months.

The expansion offers several benefits: 

• Convenience: More materials can be recycled with a new unified material list and new curbside services make recycling convenient and accessible for Albertans. 
• Environmental impact: Recycling more materials helps divert materials from landfills, conserve resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 
• More participation: A more efficient and accessible recycling program encourages higher participation in recycling programs across Alberta.  

If your community introduced curbside garbage collection by April 1, 2025, your community is eligible to receive new curbside recycling collection starting October 1, 2026. This means you’ll be able to set your recyclables at the curb, reducing trips to the depot. 

Your community qualifies for curbside recycling if it had curbside garbage collection implemented by April 1, 2025. Eligible communities will need to register their curbside garbage collection services with Circular Materials and the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA). Curbside services will be introduced within 18 months after your community has registered for curbside recycling services. If your community doesn’t currently meet this condition, you can contact your municipality to inquire about plans for future services or how to advocate for curbside recycling. 

Single-stream recycling means you no longer need to sort your recyclables by material type at depots. All designated recycling materials can go into one bin and will be sorted later at specialized facilities. This simplifies recycling, increases participation, and allows for more materials to be recycled efficiently. 

The single-stream system offers several benefits: 

• Convenience: No need to sort materials, making recycling easier for residents. 
• Efficiency: Reduces manual sorting and enables more efficient collection routes. 
• Safety: Minimizes manual handling, reducing the risk of worker injuries. 
• Environmental Impact: Increases the amount of recyclables collected and processed. 

Beginning October 1, 2026, Circular Materials will expand recycling collection to registered multi-family dwellings across Alberta. 

For more information on multi-family recycling, click here.

• Full materials list: Available in the coming months. 
• Rollout and delivery plan for new curbside services: Details will be shared in the coming months. 
• Contact information for the new contractor and customer service: Will be provided closer to the October 1, 2026 launch. 

• Closer to the launch date, we will provide contact information for the new contractor and customer service team. In the meantime, you can visit our website for updates and announcements or contact your municipality to find out more. 

To stay up to date, regularly check our website for announcements, download the materials list, once available, and follow us on social media for the latest updates