Recycling has come a long way over the years, especially in Alberta.
In 2024, we saw over 2-billion containers processed in the province, with nearly 85 per cent of beverage containers recovered. So, what happened to that other 15 per cent? Even though Alberta has the highest recovery rate in Canada, there are still millions of containers heading needlessly to the landfill.
To start, consumers pay a deposit on all refundable beverage containers sold in Alberta. However, not all Canadian provinces have implemented a deposit system, and among those that have, the structure and operation of these systems can vary significantly from Alberta. This can create a learning curve for new Albertans, whether arriving from out of province or out of the country, resulting in missed opportunities to recycle materials that you’ve maybe never considered.
If you’re new to Alberta (or just need a refresher), here are three tips to take the guesswork out of beverage recycling.
Tip #1 — Don’t forget these container types
You’ll want to keep an eye on the beverage container types that you might not know include a refundable, paid deposit. Containers like cartons, juice boxes, and drink pouches can all be returned.
Plastic containers under 1L in size and bi-metal cans are often missed containers as well. Bi-metal cans can sometimes be hard to spot, as they look similar to aluminum cans or are mistaken as non-deposit containers of the same shape, like soup cans. Tomato juice and coconut water are examples of bi-metal cans that carry a deposit in Alberta.
Tip #2 — Make sure you get your deposits back
When you return your beverage containers, you’re simply reclaiming the deposit you originally paid! At the point of purchase, consumers pay a deposit on refundable beverage containers, so discarding them is like throwing money away. By returning them to the bottle depot, you’re putting money back in your pocket. Alternatively, you can choose to donate your refund to a local charity, turning your empties into support for your community.
Overall recovery data shows that unclaimed deposits on refundable beverage containers are currently worth about $40 million annually, and some of that cash could be yours. Save your empties and bring them to one of the nearly 220 independently owned depots across the province to get your money back.
Tip #3 — You can still recycle while out and about
When it comes to beverage container recycling, every container counts! Sure, there are bins for beverage containers out and about, but if you find yourself with a container away from home, why not hang on to it? You can still bring it back to a bottle depot yourself. That way, you get the cash instead of tossing it, and the peace of mind knowing it was properly returned.
Visit the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation website to learn more about the ins and outs of beverage recycling and to find a bottle depot near you.
Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation
Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
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