Information | Rezoning for Housing

Public hearing on April 22, 2024. Proposed rezoning will support more housing options in all communities.

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Black Cart Collection - Garbage Tag Program

Tags for extra bags of garbage

If your black cart is full and you have extra bags of garbage that will not fit, you will need to buy tags to put on extra garbage bags for pickup.

Where to buy garbage tags

Tags are $3 each and are available through the following options.

  1. Buy at a participating convenience store or grocery store:
  1. Buy online at calgarytransit.com/shop (Tags are sold in bundles of five)
  2. Visit a Calgary Transit Customer Service Centre
  3. Visit City Hall Cashiers (Only cash or debit are accepted at this location)

How to use garbage tags

  1. Fill your black cart first.
  2. Place extra garbage in a bag and tie closed. Peel off backing and wrap tag around the knot.
  3. On collection day, place tagged garbage bags 0.5 metres (2 feet) to the side of your black cart. 

There is no expiry and no refunds on the garbage tags.

Tips for using garbage tags:

  • Tags are for bagged garbage only. Do not leave unbagged items outside of your black cart.
  • Use standard-sized garbage bags and make sure you can lift the bag with one hand.
  • If there is no tag, your collection driver will not pick up the bag.

Tags are not required for paper yard waste bags used for yard waste as part of the Green Cart program.

Tags are for residential black cart customers only. Extra garbage tags are not required for businesses or multi-family complexes. Tags are not valid at City landfills.

Why do we have a garbage tag program?

  • About four per cent of homes put out extra garbage on collection day. The majority do not make extra garbage that won’t fit in their black cart. The Tag-a-Bag Program is the first step towards greater fairness in our garbage collection fees.
  • Homes that properly sort waste into the blue and green carts will be less likely to need to buy tags for extra garbage.
  • It is important to set a price on extra garbage that encourages people to be thoughtful about what really needs to go in the garbage, and what can be recycled or composted.
  • If your household is generating extra waste due to a secondary suite, home-based business or home health care needs, review the options available to you.

How can I reduce the amount of garbage I throw away?

  • We encourage everyone to think about what they’re buying and throwing away. Sorting materials correctly into your blue, green and black carts helps make full use of all three carts, and reduce the amount of garbage for pickup.
  • Find out where and how to dispose of your everyday items at What Goes Where.

What if I want to use my neighbour’s cart for my extra garbage bag?

If you have extra bags of garbage, be sure to talk with your neighbor before you put anything in their cart.

We encourage you to be neighbourly and share any extra space in carts as long as you both agree to it.

How can I prevent others from using my black cart without my permission?

  • If you are concerned about others adding materials to your carts, we suggest you store your bins on your property when they are not set out on collection day.
  • If you are aware of illegal dumping, please contact 311 to report the issue.
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