Edmonton expands what you can recycle starting October 1: styrofoam, takeout containers and more
Blue bags will accept foam packaging, to-go cups, food containers and plastic film starting next month. The shift is part of Alberta's move to producer responsibility.
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Starting October 1, Edmonton's blue bag and bin collection will accept a broader range of materials, reflecting Alberta's shift to Extended Producer Responsibility—a policy that moves recycling costs from residents to producers.
New recyclable items include takeout food containers, to-go cups like coffee cups, foam packaging such as meat trays and styrofoam, and all plastic packaging including coffee bags, chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, cereal liners and plastic gift bags. Fast food paper bags, boxes and wraps are also acceptable, along with pizza boxes (remove the liner and any food chunks; some grease is fine). Paper bags for flour, sugar and pet food are now accepted, as are cardboard cans from chips, coffee and frozen juice. Cartons for soup, broth, ice cream and egg whites are also recyclable.
For takeout containers made of plastic, foil or paper: empty, clean and dry. Paper to-go cups should be empty, clean and dry, with lids removed and placed separately in recycling. Keep lids on plastic to-go cups. The city says a quick rinse is sufficient for most items to prevent food residue from contaminating other recyclables.
Recycling is collected from residents' homes and also available at Community Recycling Depots and Eco Stations. The city of Edmonton urges residents to reduce waste by opting for reusable cups for to-go drinks and choosing products with less packaging. Download the WasteWise app to check whether a specific item can be recycled or should go to garbage.
The change brings Edmonton's accepted materials in line with the rest of the province, making the recycling stream consistent across Alberta.
The facts
What new materials can Edmonton residents recycle starting October 1?
Edmonton's blue bag and bin collection will accept takeout food containers, to-go cups, foam packaging such as styrofoam and meat trays, plastic film including coffee bags and chip bags, fast food paper bags and boxes, pizza boxes, paper bags for flour and sugar, cardboard cans, and cartons for soup and ice cream.
How should plastic takeout containers be prepared for recycling?
Plastic takeout containers should be emptied, cleaned and dried before placing them in the blue bag or bin.
Why is Edmonton expanding its recycling program?
The expansion reflects Alberta's shift to Extended Producer Responsibility, a policy that moves recycling costs from residents to producers.
