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Producers responsibility for recycling (EPR program)

The City of Airdrie has been responsible for managing packaging waste through the blue cart program and Recycle Depot. A new provincial regulatory approach called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is changing the way waste is managed. The change to provincial management aims to enhance recycling rates through convenient and consistent recycling programs across the province.

  • EPR shifts the responsibility from the utility payer (you) to the producer (manufacturer). 
  • The producer will partially fund the collection, sorting and processing of packaging waste they create.
  • This program applies to recyclable materials collected through the blue cart program and at the Recycle Depot.
  • As of April 1, 2026, Airdrie’s curbside recycling program is managed by Circular Materials. Circular Materials has contracted GFL Environmental to manage the blue recycling cart program. GFL is your main contact for missed collection, cart fixes and new home cart delivery for residential blue cart recycling. Garbage and organics inquiries should still be directed to 403.948.8800. 

Learn more about Circular Materials

Learn more about EPR

EPR savings passed to residents

At the May 6, 2025 council meeting, Council approved administration's recommendation to reduce utility rates to allow a portion of the saving from the EPR program to be passed on to residents for the 2025 fiscal year. 

Program20222023 (Jan - May)2023 (June - Dec)20242025 (Jan - June)2025 (June - Dec)2026
Garbage Collection $0.25 $0.26 $0.26 $0.28 $0.30 $0.30 $0.32
Recycling Collection $0.23 $0.25 $0.25 $0.27 $0.21 $0.14 $0.03
Organics Collection $0.21 $0.28 $0.23 $0.27 $0.29 $0.29 $0.33
Reserve Contribution $0.05 $0.05 $0.05 $0.05 $0.05 $0.05 $0.05
GAR Fee Total $0.74 $0.85 $0.79 $0.87 $0.85 $0.78 $0.73
ENV Fee $0.19 $0.20 $0.19 $0.21 $0.20 $0.16 $0.15

The City of Airdrie bills on a 28 day cycle. Residents receive their utility bill every four weeks. This means that you will receive 13 bills in a calendar year. 

Organics collection rate is divided over the full year, payments do not change when collection goes to bi-weekly. 

Multi-family recycling

Multi-family buildings can register for recycling collection through Alberta’s new EPR program. The multi-family dwelling EPR program will be implemented in stages in 2026. Property managers or owners are invited to visit and register their property with the Circular Materials website and determine if this program is the right fit for the property. 

Multi-Family Recycling with Circular Materials