What Goes Where? How to properly dispose of household waste

Calgary’s three‑cart system continues to be the foundation of how we manage household waste, but contamination remains an ongoing challenge. Even small mistakes create safety risks for workers and make it harder to turn waste into new materials. We have put together a handy list with resources for anyone who wishes to learn more about what goes where.

Rules of thumb to remember:

• Green bins are for food scraps and yard waste.
• Your blue bin is for acceptable household paper, cardboard and container packaging.
• Old or broken items don’t always belong in the black bin; The City offers programs and services that help keep waste out of landfills and give items a second life.

Some of the most common mix ups happen when food scraps are placed in the green bin while still in plastic packaging, or when recyclable containers go into the blue bin without being emptied and cleaned first. While these may seem minor, they can contaminate entire loads and prevent materials from being properly composted or recycled. Items like garden hoses, ropes, and cords are also frequently found in blue bins, where they can jam sorting equipment and cause damage. These items belong in the black bin instead.

It’s also important to know what does not belong in any household cart. Clothing, paint cans, batteries, and electronics should never go in the blue, green, or black bins. These items can pose safety risks and damage equipment, but they can be safely handled through City Eco Centres, where they can be disposed of or recycled properly.

Find a City Eco Centre near you: City Eco Centres

Sorting items the right way helps protect collection crews and facility workers, reduces damage to infrastructure, and ensures that recyclable and compostable materials can be turned into new products or nutrient‑rich compost. If you’re ever unsure where something belongs, the City’s What Goes Where tool is an easy way to check before tossing it in a bin. You can find it at calgary.ca/whatgoeswhere

You can learn more about how to sort your household waste here: Right bin for the Win