FAQ-Waste-Beverage Containers

All 'ready-to-serve' beverage containers sold in Alberta are part of the provincial beverage container recycling program. This includes containers for milk, cream, soda, water, juice, meal replacements, drinkable yogurt, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Unsealed beverage containers like coffee cups or slush cups are not included in the beverage container recycling program; check with your local municipality to see if these are accepted in your community's local recycling program.

All ready–to–serve beverage containers sold in Alberta are returnable for a refund at a local bottle depot. There are more than 50,000 types of beverage containers registered in Alberta under the deposit refund program. The collection and recycling of these beverage containers diverts over 1.5 billion containers from landfill every year. In Alberta, there are over 200 independently owned bottle depots where Albertans can return their beverage containers and collect a refund.

Where do we take deposit bearing containers for a refund?

Beverage container recycling depots are located in communities throughout Alberta. For more information about the Beverage Container Recycling Program or to locate a bottle depot near you, visit the Beverage Container Management Board or call 1.888.424.7671.

Why do the recycling fees for refundable containers seem to be always changing?

On top of the regulated deposit, the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation charges consumers a non-regulated, non-refundable container recycling fee to pay for the collection and recycling of beverage containers. The Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation is an industry consortium that coordinates the recycling activities of all beverage container manufacturers in the province. They have an operating agreement with the Beverage Container Management Board to deliver the recycling program.

Each year the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation reviews and adjusts the container recycling fee to ensure the fees reflect the true cost of recycling. Fees increase or decrease based on things like the market value of the recycled material, technological innovations, and the cost of transportation.

For more information on container recycling fees, please contact the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation or 1-888-400-9588 for questions or concern.

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