Garbage Tag program
Garbage tags are required for extra bags of garbage that do not fit inside the black cart. Tags need to be added to the extra garbage bags before they will be collected.
Garbage tags are $3 each and can be purchased at participating stores or online. There is no expiry and no refunds on the garbage tags.
Where to buy garbage tags
- Calgary Co-op
- Circle K
- Calgary Transit Customer Service Centre - Centre Street Platform location only
- City Hall Cashiers - Only cash or debit are accepted at this location.
- Buy tags online - Sold in bundles of five
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Save space in your black bin by making sure you find the right disposal answers for your items.
How to use garbage tags
Tips for using garbage tags:
If there is no tag, your collection driver will not pick up bags left outside of the black cart.
Tags are for bagged garbage only. Do not leave unbagged items outside of your black cart.
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.
Tags are not needed for paper yard waste bags used for yard waste as part of the Green Cart program.
Frequently asked questions
Why do we need a garbage tag program?
Only the homes that make extra garbage will pay for it through a garbage tag. This helps keep your black cart fee low rather than having all households pay for the costs of dealing with extra garbage.
In fact, most homes don’t put out extra garbage – only about 4% of homes have extra garbage bags on pickup day. This means the vast majority of households that stick to their black cart size aren't subsidizing the extra waste of others.
How can I reduce the amount of garbage I throw away?
Consider what you are buying and throwing away. Sorting materials correctly into your blue, green and black carts helps make full use of all three carts, and cuts down on the amount of garbage for pickup.
Use the What Goes Where search tool to look up your everyday household items to put them in the right bin.
My house makes a lot of extra garbage regularly. Is there another option for me?
If your household is creating extra waste due to a secondary suite, home-based business or home health care needs, review these options available to you.
Can I use my neighbour’s cart for my extra garbage?
Check with your neighbour 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 other people using your carts, 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.