A more convenient and enhanced recycling system is starting on October 1, 2026. Following a successful Phase 1 launch of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in Alberta in April 2025, Circular Materials is excited to expand and enhance Alberta’s recycling program on October 1, 2026.
Albertans will be able to recycle even more materials than ever before and recycle the same materials no matter where they live across the province. This will make recycling easier for residents, improve recovery rates and help advance a circular economy in Alberta.
Starting October 1, 2026, Alberta’s recycling program for packaging and paper products (PPP) will be managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) overseeing the province’s shift to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This means Circular Materials will be responsible for Alberta’s PPP recycling programs, either by working with the community or with a service provider to run curbside and depot services.
In 2022, Alberta introduced regulations creating an EPR framework for recycling PPP. This program is 100% funded by producers – the companies that supply packaging and paper products to consumers, including the familiar brands and retailers Albertans interact with every day. This means municipalities and taxpayers no longer pay for recycling services as this cost is now paid by producers.
EPR is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms for improving recycling rates. It enables innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels and access to materials.
Starting October 1, 2026, you will be able to recycle even more materials no matter where you live in Alberta!
More materials will be accepted at all recycling collection points - curbside and depot. These materials include glass containers (where they are not currently accepted), foam packaging, flexible plastic packaging, aerosol containers, laminated paper and plastic packaging.
This not only provides more convenience for Albertan’s but also ensures more materials are captured, processed and looped back into the circular economy.
More materials, more convenience, and a greater impact for the environment.
A full material list will be available for download in July.
Communities who introduced curbside garbage collection by April 1, 2025 will be receiving new curbside recycling collection, starting October 1, 2026.
That means that you’ll be able to set your recyclables out for collection right at your curb.
To see if your community will be receiving new curbside recycling collection in October, click here.
Circular Materials is expanding recycling collection to registered multi-family dwellings across Alberta, starting on October 1, 2026.
Learn more about multi-family recycling here.
Alberta depots will be moving into a single-stream collection model. This means that you will no longer have to sort your recycling materials when visiting your local depot. They can all go into the same bin!
Single-stream recycling is a collection method where all designated recycling materials in Alberta’s EPR recycling program for PPP are placed into one container and sorted later at a specialized pre-conditioning facility, rather than being separated by material type at the point of collection.
This transition will significantly improve accessibility and streamline the recycling process for residents.
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.
Starting October 1, 2026, Alberta’s recycling program for paper, packaging, and products (PPP) will be managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). The program will expand to include more recyclable materials, introduce new curbside services in some communities and transition depots to a single-stream collection model.
This means that residents will have the ability to recycle more materials and the ability to recycle the same materials, no matter where you are in the province.
EPR is a framework that shifts the responsibility for funding and managing recycling programs from municipalities to producers – companies that supply packaging and paper to residents. This approach encourages innovation, improves efficiency, raises recycling standards, and increases access to recyclable materials.
No, under the EPR framework, producers – the companies that supply packaging and paper – are responsible for funding and managing the recycling program. This means municipalities and taxpayers no longer pay for recycling services as this cost is now paid by producers.
In line with Alberta’s EPR regulation, communities that introduced curbside garbage collection by April 1, 2025, are eligible to receive curbside recycling services starting October 1, 2026. This expansion ensures that more Albertans have access to convenient recycling options, reducing the need for trips to depots and increasing participation in recycling programs.
Once collected, your recyclables are transported to specialized receiving facilities or pre-conditioning facilities where they are sorted by material type. These materials are then processed and sent to recycling facilities to be turned into new products, conserving resources.
The expansion requires significant planning, infrastructure upgrades and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. This includes setting up new collection systems, upgrading sorting facilities and ensuring producers are ready to manage the expanded program. The October 1, 2026, launch date ensures everything is in place for a successful rollout.
Starting October 1, 2026, you’ll be able to recycle additional materials right at your curb and at all depots across Alberta, including:
A full list of accepted materials will be available for download in coming months.
The expansion offers several benefits:
If your community introduced curbside garbage collection by April 1, 2025, your community is eligible to receive new curbside recycling collection starting October 1, 2026. This means you’ll be able to set your recyclables at the curb, reducing trips to the depot. Check if your community is included here.
Your community qualifies for curbside recycling if it had curbside garbage collection implemented by April 1, 2025. Eligible communities will need to register their curbside garbage collection services with Circular Materials and the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA). Curbside services will be introduced within 18 months after your community has registered for curbside recycling services. If your community doesn’t currently meet this condition, you can contact your municipality to inquire about plans for future services or how to advocate for curbside recycling.
Single-stream recycling means you no longer need to sort your recyclables by material type at depots. All designated recycling materials can go into one bin and will be sorted later at specialized facilities. This simplifies recycling, increases participation, and allows for more materials to be recycled efficiently.
The single-stream system offers several benefits:
Beginning October 1, 2026, Circular Materials will expand recycling collection to registered multi-family dwellings across Alberta.
For more information on multi-family recycling, click here.
To stay up to date, regularly check our website for announcements, download the materials list, once available, and follow us on social media for the latest updates
