From April 1, 2025, the responsibility for Alberta’s recycling program will gradually shift from communities to the producers of packaging and paper. This change aims to improve recycling efficiency and sustainability across the province.
What does this mean for you?
Alberta residents can expect a convenient, consistent, and effective recycling system in place that will improve recycling rates. This includes a consistent list of recyclable materials across the province.
Download our free app to learn about what’s recyclable, your collection schedule and more.
By recycling, you make a difference.
Your recyclables – once collected, sorted and processed – can be used again and again, coming back into your home as another product or packaging!
By recycling, you help protect our environment and conserve our planet’s natural resources.
In 2022, the Alberta government passed a new regulation which introduces an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework for products, packaging and paper (PPP) in the province. EPR shifts the financial and operational responsibility of recycling programs to producers – those that produce and supply packaging and paper materials to residents. EPR enables innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels, and access to materials. It is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates.
Under this new framework, Circular Materials is the national not-for-profit organization responsible for implementing and managing the new recycling system in Alberta.
EPR is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates and advance a circular economy where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers for use as recycled content in new packaging and products.
Historically, Alberta’s recycling programs were operated by communities who were responsible for paying the full costs of the program. Now, under the EPR regulation, Alberta is transitioning to a new model where producers – the organizations that produce the products and packaging – are 100% responsible for operating and funding the program.
The transition to this new framework will start on April 1, 2025. Communities will need to register for the EPR program with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA).
Communities who have existing collection service as of November 30, 2022, will transition on April 1, 2025.
Communities who do not have existing collection service as of November 30, 2022, will transition on October 1, 2026.
Under this new framework, Circular Materials is the national not-for-profit organization responsible for implementing and managing the new recycling system in Alberta.
During transition to the new framework, Albertans will not notice any differences to their recycling schedule and will still be able to recycle the same materials as before. After the transition is complete, Circular Materials will introduce a more convenient, consistent, and effective recycling program across the province – a change that will not only benefit people, but also our planet.
Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Alberta. Circular Materials is committed to delivering a best-in-class system that continues to deliver recycling services and supports residents.
