Extended Producer Responsibility
As consumers, we often end up with lots of packaging waste. The City of Calgary has been responsible for managing this waste through the blue cart program. However, a new provincial approach called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is changing the game.
On this page
What is EPR?
Under EPR, producers (manufacturers) are responsible for managing packaging waste when it’s no longer needed. This means producers are responsible for collecting, sorting, processing, partially funding and recycling the packaging waste they create.
This new provincial policy came into effect on April 1, 2025, for single-family residential homes. Multi-family homes will benefit from EPR starting October 1, 2026.
Several organizations work together to deliver recycling services in Alberta. Each has a specific role, from setting program requirements and funding recycling services to collecting materials and helping residents recycle correctly. Learn more about each organization's responsibilities below.
Benefits of a provincial EPR system for Calgarians
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Direct savings for Calgarians
Reduced recycling fees for single-family and registered multi-family households as producers help fund recycling services.
Single-family homes have saved $7.17/month since EPR came into effect in April 2025.
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Standardized recycling list
Calgarians are able to recycle the same materials across Alberta no matter where they are.
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Economies of Scale
Producers can take advantage of increased economies of scale by managing recycling programs for municipalities across Alberta. The system also creates consistent recycling outcomes for all municipalities.
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Incentives for Better Packaging
EPR encourages manufacturers to design packaging that is easier to recycle and to reduce packaging waste overall.
Blue cart EPR changes
EPR covers packaging and paper products, which we know as blue cart materials.
The financial and operational responsibility for recycling in Calgary has shifted from The City of Calgary to the organizations that produce and sell packaging and paper.
New acceptable materials for recycling
As part of the EPR regulations, you can recycle these packaging materials in your blue cart as of October 1, 2026.
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Flexible bags and wrappers
Snack bags and pouches
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Tubes
Toothpaste, deodorant and lotion tubes
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Foam packaging
Cushioning blocks, meat trays and takeout containers
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Aerosols
Anything you can eat or apply to your hair, skin or body like hairspray, shaving foam and cooking spray
Multi-family recycling in Calgary
Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation comes into effect for multi-family properties in Calgary on October 1, 2026.
- Circular Materials will be responsible for managing the operational aspects of recycling collection for multi-family properties in Calgary.
- Property managers will register buildings and work directly with Circular Materials to coordinate service delivery.
- Recycling services will be provided free of charge to residents, as costs will be covered by the producers.
Other services for Calgarians
In addition to packaging and paper products, EPR also set regulations for two more types of materials for safe disposal.
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Household batteries
Calgarians can safely dispose of their household batteries at City Eco Centres, retailer drop-offs and Household Hazardous Waste drop-offs.
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Household chemicals
Calgarians can safely dispose of paint and chemicals at designated fire halls and City Eco Centres.
How recycling works in Alberta
The EPR system sets up new roles and responsibilities for different parties to oversee. The City of Calgary is no longer responsible for some of the previous waste management tasks including regulation, oversight and service design elements.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How does EPR impact the price of consumer goods?
When brands bring their products into Canada, the costs for recycling the packaging are already included as EPR is also in place in most other provinces. Because of the large volumes manufacturers produce, the cost is only a fraction of a penny per package and has little overall cost impact.
Calgarians also benefit from a reduced blue cart fee as well.
If I have a customer service issue with my blue cart, who do I contact?
Households with City blue cart service can contact 311 if they have any questions or service issues.
How is the City of Calgary involved with this provincial policy?
Waste & Recycling Services is the contracted collections service provider for blue cart, community recycling depots and The City’s household hazardous waste drop-off locations.
How does this new system ensure materials are handled responsibly?
Circular Materials is a non-profit organization that represents the producers and manufacturers. They are required to meet provincial targets for recycling as well as ensure materials are handled ethically and responsibly.
Learn more at calgary.ca/whyrecyclingmatters.
When will multi-family buildings be included in EPR?
As per the provincial EPR regulations, multi-family households will be included in October 2026. Please see the Multi-Family section above for more details.
When will businesses be included in EPR?
At this time, EPR regulations only covers single-family and multi-family households. City of Calgary Waste Bylaw requires that businesses have recycling and composting services available at their premises.