Recycle More | New Materials Coming to Calgary’s Blue Cart

Starting October 1, 2026, Calgarians will be able to recycle more of the packaging they use every day through their blue carts and community recycling depots.

This expansion is part of Alberta’s new Extended Producer Responsibility framework, which is creating a more consistent residential recycling system across the province. As a result, residents will be able to recycle the same types of packaging materials no matter where they live in Alberta.

What’s new?

Beginning October 1, the following packaging materials will be accepted in Calgary’s blue carts:

• Foam packaging, including foam blocks, takeout containers and egg cartons.
• Food and body aerosols, such as cooking spray, sunscreen and hairspray containers.
• Flexible plastic bags and wrappers, including chip bags and granola bar wrappers.
• Tubes, such as toothpaste and deodorant tubes.

You can also continue recycling the materials that have traditionally been accepted in the blue cart, including paper, cardboard, plastic containers, food cans and glass containers.

Remember: empty, clean and loose

To help ensure materials can be sorted and recycled properly, please remember that all recyclables should be:

• Empty: Pour out liquids and place food scraps in your kitchen compost pail.
• Clean: Rinse containers or wipe them with a used napkin.
• Loose: Place recyclables directly into your blue cart. Do not put them in plastic bags.

These simple steps help protect the quality of recyclable materials and make the sorting process more effective.

What does not belong in the blue cart?

The blue cart is intended for household paper and packaging materials—not products that are designed to be used or kept over a longer period.

For example, shoe boxes and plastic wrap are packaging and can be recycled. Shoes, toys and small appliances are products and do not belong in the blue cart, even if they are made from paper, plastic or metal.

If you are unsure where an item belongs, Calgary’s What Goes Where tool can help you find the appropriate recycling, disposal or donation option.

Multi-family recycling is expanding too

Multi-family buildings can also participate in the expanded recycling program. As of October 1, 2026, buildings must register their location with Circular Materials to receive free recycling collection services and access to the expanded list of accepted materials.

Property managers and condominium boards can learn more through Circular Materials’ Alberta multi-family recycling program.

No change to blue cart collection schedules

Your blue cart pickup schedule will not change. The City of Calgary will continue collecting blue carts each week. Residents can check their collection schedule at calgary.ca/cartschedule.

If your blue cart is full, break down cardboard boxes to create more space. You can also take extra recyclables to a Community Recycling Depot or City Eco Centre. Please do not leave additional recyclables beside your cart.

A more consistent recycling system

These changes are being introduced under Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility system. Under this approach, producers, including manufacturers and brands, are responsible for managing the packaging and paper materials they introduce into the marketplace.

The first phase of the system began in April 2025. Producers now fund most residential recycling program costs, resulting in savings of $7.17 per month in blue cart program fees for single-family households.

The City continues to work with Circular Materials to support an efficient and reliable recycling program for Calgary residents. Blue cart recyclables are collected and taken to a sorting facility in Rocky View County, where upgrades and new technology have been introduced to accommodate the expanded materials list.

Learn more

For the complete list of accepted materials and more information about the changes, visit calgary.ca/recyclemore.

You can also contact 311 with questions about recycling and waste services.