Alberta completed its transition to a producer-funded residential recycling system on October 1, 2026, when the final phase of its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme took effect.
The system shifts the cost of recycling residential products and packaging from municipalities to producers, while making services more accessible and consistent across the province. The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) oversees the programme.
Paper and packaging included in province-wide system
The programme covers thousands of residential products through two main systems. The first concerns single-use products, packaging and printed paper products, including newspapers, paper packaging and cardboard, as well as plastics, metal and glass. The second covers hazardous and special products such as flammable, corrosive and toxic consumer products, batteries and pesticides.
With the October 1 expansion, access to single-use product recycling reached approximately 97% of Albertans. More communities gained services for the same categories of material, including some apartments, condominiums and multi-family homes.
Collection arrangements can differ between communities, with materials accepted through curbside services or recycling depots. Implementation schedules for apartments and condominiums can depend on individual buildings and existing collection contracts.
The province-wide accepted materials list includes foam packaging, flexible plastic packaging, aerosol containers and laminated paper and plastic packaging. Circular Materials provides information on residential recycling collection and the accepted materials list.
A phased transition since April 2025
Alberta’s EPR system launched on April 1, 2025. The initial intake covered more than 90% of Albertans for single-use products and hazardous and special products.
A second intake on July 1, 2025 expanded single-use product recycling to additional communities. The final phase followed on October 1, 2026, completing the transition to producer-funded residential recycling.
Under the system, producers cover costs previously borne by municipalities. The resulting savings vary by municipality and may take time to be reflected in utility bills.
ARMA provides information about oversight and covered materials. Circular Materials handles residential recycling collection enquiries, Call2Recycle provides battery recycling information, and Product Care Recycling addresses hazardous and special products.
