Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 2, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —Calgary, Canada — The scope of recycling in Calgary has expanded as of October 1, allowing residents to recycle more types of items than before. The Alberta government has added new materials to the recycling program under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
More Items Accepted in Blue Carts
Under the new system, several items that were not previously accepted through the city’s blue cart program will now be eligible for recycling. Residents can place these items in their household blue carts, while certain materials can also be dropped off at community recycling centres.
Foam Packaging
The newly accepted materials include foam packaging. This covers pieces of foam, foam containers used for takeaway food, and foam egg cartons.
As a result of this change, various types of packaging used in households can now be included in the recycling process instead of being disposed of as regular waste.
Aerosol Cans
Certain aerosol bottles and cans used for food and personal care products can also now be recycled. These include cooking spray cans, sunscreen containers and hairspray cans.
According to officials, residents should ensure that the contents of these containers have been completely used before recycling them.
Plastic Bags and Wrappers
The expanded program also includes flexible plastic bags and wrappers. Chip packets, granola bar wrappers and other similar flexible plastic packaging can now be collected for recycling.
Toothpaste tubes and deodorant containers have also been added to the new list of accepted materials.
Collection Schedule Remains Unchanged
Despite the expansion of recycling services, Calgary’s blue cart collection schedule has not changed. Residents will continue placing their blue carts outside on their regularly scheduled collection days.
This means that although more items can now be recycled, the existing household collection system and collection times will remain the same.
No Impact on ENMAX Bills
The city administration has clarified that the new recycling rules will not result in any changes to residents’ ENMAX bills.
Under Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility system, most of the costs associated with residential recycling will now be the responsibility of companies and manufacturers that supply the relevant products to the market.
Clean Items Before Recycling
Officials have also instructed residents to follow basic recycling guidelines. Items placed in blue carts must be empty, clean and dry.
Bottles and containers that have held food or liquids should be emptied thoroughly and rinsed with water or wiped clean before being placed in the recycling cart.
Do Not Use Plastic Bags
The city administration has specifically reminded residents not to place recyclable materials inside plastic bags before putting them in blue carts.
Items must be placed loosely and separately in the carts so they can be properly processed through the recycling system.
Expanded Access for Households
The expanded program is not limited to single-family homes. It will also apply to multi-residential buildings.
Residents of apartments, condominiums and other multi-family housing properties will also be able to benefit from the expanded recycling service.
Services for Multi-Residential Buildings
Property managers of multi-family buildings and condominium boards can register with Circular Materials. Following registration, they will have access to free recycling collection services.
Reducing Household Waste
By adding items such as foam packaging, aerosol cans, flexible plastics, toothpaste tubes and deodorant containers to the list of accepted materials, Calgary’s expanded recycling program gives residents more opportunities to divert everyday household waste into the recycling stream.
The expansion, which took effect on October 1, allows residents to separate and recycle more materials than before, while the existing blue cart collection schedule remains unchanged.
