In 2009, the City of Calgary introduced a blue cart recycling program for single family residences, as well as residential buildings with up to four units.

The service collects paper, cans, cardboard, glass and plastics on the same day and location as regular garbage collection. Residents who receive the service are charged on their monthly utility bill.

As well, the city operates close to 60 community recycling depots, electronics drop-off spots and special seasonal services or events, such as hazardous materials disposal days, Christmas tree pick-up, and fall leaf and pumpkin collection days.

Composting

Organic materials take up valuable space in city landfills. Due to the confined spaces they’re deposited in, they receive little oxygen while producing substantial greenhouse gases. 

Food and yard waste make up over 40 per cent of the garbage from our homes, making the landfills one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in Calgary. So, needless to say, composting is important.

The City of Calgary, in cooperation with the Clean Calgary Association, provides subsidized composters for your home than can be purchased for $25. The association also puts on composting workshops.

Vision

The city’s long-term waste management goal is a simple one: by the year 2020, Calgarians will recycle 80 per cent of their waste, and send 20 per cent to landfills.