Circular Materials FAQ

What is Circular Materials?

A more convenient and enhanced recycling system is starting on October 1, 2026. Following the 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.

What is changing in Alberta’s recycling program?

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

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

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.

Will I need to pay for these new services?

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.

Why are some communities receiving new curbside services?

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.

What happens to recycling when it leaves my curb?

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.

Residential Waste Removal

Starting October 1, 2026, you’ll be able to recycle additional materials right at your curb and at all depots across Alberta, including:

Glass containers (where it is not currently being accepted)
Foam packaging like meat trays and take out containers.
Flexible plastic packaging like chip packets, pet food bags and stretchy plastic bags.
Aerosol containers

A full list of accepted materials will be available for download in coming months.

How does my community qualify for or get new curbside recycling services?

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.

What is single-stream recycling, and how does it work?

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.

Why is Alberta moving to a single-stream recycling system?

The single-stream system offers several benefits:

Convenience: No need to sort materials, making recycling easier for residents.

Efficiency: Reduces manual sorting and enables more efficient collection routes.

Safety: Minimizes manual handling, reducing the risk of worker injuries.

Environmental Impact: Increases the amount of recyclables collected and processed.

Inquiries

Questions regarding the new Circular Materials program? Give us a call at:

403-938-7930 Ext. 2

to be connected with a dispatcher.