Calgary recycling changes: October 1, 2026
The City has announced more blue-cart packaging acceptance from October 1, 2026. The date matters: these additions are not the instructions to follow before October 1.
Reviewed
What is being added?
| Packaging | Before October 1 | From October 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Snack bags, wrappers and flexible pouches | Black cart; stretchy bags already have a separate recycling route | Accepted packaging can go in the blue cart |
| Toothpaste, deodorant and lotion tubes | Black cart | Accepted packaging can go in the blue cart |
| Foam packaging blocks, egg cartons, meat trays and takeout packaging | Black cart, or accepted clean EPS at Eco Centres | Accepted packaging can go in the blue cart |
These are packaging categories, not permission to recycle every plastic or foam product. Food, toys, shoes, batteries and electronics still need their own disposal routes.
What about aerosols?
The announcement also mentions aerosols as part of the provincial changes. The City’s current item guidance directs household aerosols to hazardous-waste drop-off. Until detailed preparation and exclusions are confirmed, check the aerosol instructions and the linked City sources. Do not infer that a partly full or hazardous container belongs in a cart.
What stays the same?
Blue-cart pickup remains weekly. Paper, cardboard, accepted rigid containers, cans and glass containers continue to be recycled. Keep food out of packaging, flatten boxes, and follow preparation instructions for the material.
Already recyclable: common mix-ups
- Empty paper coffee cups, with plastic lids removed.
- Empty paper egg cartons.
- Clean stretchy cling wrap, bundled in a tied bag.
Before your next pickup
- Check whether your collection day is before or after October 1.
- Identify the packaging type; product labels alone can be misleading.
- Read the current City change notice for preparation details and updates.
- Search an item if you are unsure.
This guide was checked on September 10, 2026. Only specifically confirmed changes are scheduled in our item catalogue; unspecified materials remain subject to the City’s individual instructions.
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