Calgarians can now recycle a wider range of items after Alberta expanded its recycling program under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system on Oct. 1.
The changes mean several items that were previously not accepted for recycling are now eligible for collection through the city’s blue cart program and at community recycling depots.
Newly accepted materials include foam packaging such as foam blocks, takeout containers and egg cartons, as well as aerosol cans from food and personal care products, including cooking spray, sunscreen and hairspray containers.
Residents can also recycle flexible plastic bags and wrappers, including chip bags and granola bar wrappers, along with items such as toothpaste tubes and deodorant containers.
Blue cart collection schedules will remain unchanged.
The city says residents will not see changes to their ENMAX bills as a result of the new recycling rules. Under Alberta’s EPR system, producers now cover most residential recycling costs.
Officials are also reminding residents that recyclable items should be emptied, cleaned and placed loose in blue carts. Food and liquid containers should be emptied and rinsed or wiped clean before recycling, and materials should not be placed inside plastic bags.
The expanded recycling program applies to both single-family homes and multi-family buildings. Property managers and condo boards can register with Circular Materials to receive free recycling collection services and gain access to the expanded list of accepted materials.