Recycle more

Recycle more

Blue cart recycling changes

Your blue cart is for paper and packaging, but figuring out what can and can’t be recycled hasn’t always been easy.

Some types of packaging came with exceptions, making it tricky to know what belongs in the blue cart. 

Calgarians have asked for a simpler recycling system and more materials to be accepted. The good news? More packaging can now go in your blue cart, making recycling easier and more convenient.

New acceptable materials for recycling

Starting October 1, 2026, Calgarians will be able to recycle more than ever as new materials will be accepted in the blue cart. These changes are part of the provincial recycling policy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), that makes manufacturers responsible for managing recycling in Alberta.

  • Flexible bags and wrappers

    Snack bags, wrappers, packaging wrappers and pouches

  • Tubes

    Toothpaste, deodorant and lotion tubes

  • Foam

    Foam packaging blocks, egg cartons, meat trays and takeout containers

  • Aerosols

    Hairspray, dry shampoo, shaving foam, sunscreen, cooking spray and whipped cream

These changes now allow you to recycle the same materials all across Alberta. 

How to prepare your recyclables

Recyclables must be empty and clean before going in the blue cart so they can more easily be turned into new products. 

Recycling facilities are designed to sort packaging, not the product or goods. When the wrong items are placed in the blue cart, they can:

  • Jam or damage sorting equipment
  • Put workers at risk
  • Contaminate recyclables making it harder to turn into new products

Empty

Pour out liquids and scrape out food bits into your kitchen compost pail.

Clean

Rinse out all food containers and shake out excess water.

Loose

Put empty and clean recyclables into the blue bin loose (unbagged).

Learn more about recycling preparation tips

Know the difference between products versus packaging

Putting the right items in your blue cart helps materials get sorted properly, recycled safely, and turned into new products.

Many of the items we buy in stores or order online come wrapped in some kind of packaging. Only the packaging belongs in your blue cart — not the product itself. Knowing the difference helps prevent contamination and keeps the recycling system working the right way.

What can and can’t go in your blue cart

  • Yes, you can recycle shoe boxes. No, keep shoes out of your blue cart.
  • Yes, you can recycle a cookie bag. No, keep cookies out of your blue cart.
  • Yes, you can recycle plastic packaging. No, keep flashlights out of your blue cart.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How did these items get added to the blue cart recycling program?

New provincial recycling regulations have made producers (manufacturers and brands) in charge of managing the packaging waste they create. As part of these regulations, additional materials like foam, aerosols and flexible plastic wrappers are required to be accepted for recycling as of October 1, 2026. You can now recycle the same materials all across Alberta.

You can learn more about these provincial changes at calgary.ca/epr. 

What do I do with things that can’t go in the blue cart?

Use our online search tool What Goes Where to look up hundreds of items so you can find the right recycling, safe disposal or donation option for your stuff. Visit calgary.ca/whatgoeswhere to get started. 

How can I tell the difference between packaging and products?

Packaging is material used to contain, protect, transport, or display a product. It is designed for short-term use and is usually discarded after the product is opened. Examples include shoe boxes, plastic wrap, and other product packaging.

A product is the item you purchase to use, consume, or keep, such as shoes, toys, or small appliances. Products are intended for longer-term use and are not accepted in the blue cart, even if they are made of paper, plastic, or metal.

How are these new items able to be recycled?

Blue cart recyclables are collected and taken to the GFL sorting facility in Rocky View County. The facility recently made upgrades and technology changes to accommodate the new materials being accepted into the blue cart program. 

What other items can go in the blue cart?

You can still recycle all the same categories as before in addition to the new materials.

This includes paper, cardboard, plastic containers, food cans, and glass containers. You can see the full list at calgary.ca/recycling.

Is my blue cart schedule changing?

There is no change to your blue cart pickup schedule. Your blue cart will continue to be collected by The City of Calgary each week. You can check your schedule online at calgary.ca/cartschedule.

My blue cart is full and I have a lot of extra recyclables now. What can I do?

Make sure to break down boxes to make more space in your blue bin. 

If your blue cart is full, you can take extra recyclables to a Community Recycling Depot or to a City Eco Centre. 

Do not leave extra recyclables outside of your cart.