Alberta's Deposit System

Alberta's Beverage Container Recycling System, often referred to as the "deposit-refund system," is a prime example of a recycling initiative that effectively reduces waste and promotes sustainability. This system is built around the concept of bottle depots, facilities where consumers can return their empty beverage containers, and bottle pickup services that offer a convenient recycling solution.

How it Works

When consumers purchase beverage containers in Alberta, they pay a small deposit fee. This fee is returned when they bring the empty containers to a bottle depot or use a bottle pickup service for collection. These services are more than mere convenience; they put a monetary value on each container, incentivizing proper disposal and recycling.

Bottle Depots & Bottle Pickup Services

Bottle depots are facilities where consumers can return their empty beverage containers for a refund of the deposit paid at the time of purchase. They accept a wide range of container types, from glass and plastic bottles to aluminum cans and drink pouches.

For those who may find it challenging to get to a bottle depot, bottle pickup services offer a solution. These services will collect your recyclables directly from your home or business, ensuring that the recycling process is as convenient and efficient as possible.

Container Types & Refunds

The refund rates depend on the type and size of the beverage container. For containers larger than one litre, the refund is 25 cents, and for containers less than one litre, the refund is 10 cents.

What Beverage Containers can be Refunded

A diverse range of beverage containers is accepted for refunds. This includes containers for water, soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits, and containers for juice, tea, and coffee.

What is a Container Recycling Fee?

The Container Recycling Fee (CRF) is an additional charge applied at the time of purchase to cover the costs of recycling beverage containers, factoring in collection, transportation, and recycling after deducting the deposit refund and any revenues from the sale of recyclables. The CRF is not refundable and varies by container type and size.

Why Recycle Beverage Containers?

Recycling beverage containers conserves natural resources by reusing materials and reducing the need for raw material extraction. It saves energy compared to producing new containers, reduces landfill waste, and discourages littering by attaching a monetary value to each container.

The Recycling Lifecycle

The lifecycle of a recycled beverage container in Alberta begins with the consumer's purchase and continues through the use of bottle depots and pickup services. Once the containers are returned, they are sorted, compacted, and sold to recycling processors who convert them into raw materials. These materials, like aluminum, plastic pellets, or glass cullet, are then used to produce new products.

What a Beverage Container Turns Into

Recycled beverage containers can be transformed into a variety of products. Aluminum cans might become car parts or new beverage cans, while plastic bottles can be turned into fleece clothing, carpeting, or new plastic bottles. Glass bottles could be repurposed for fiberglass insulation or new glass containers.

In essence, the Alberta Deposit System, with its focus on bottle depots and bottle pickup services, creates a beneficial situation for both the environment and consumers. By making recycling easy and incentivizing the process, the system encourages responsible waste management, promotes a circular economy, and makes a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.