Edmonton is one of Canada's pioneers in waste management and recycling. The city has been developing and implementing its waste separation system for decades, and today it is one of the most efficient and comprehensive in the North American regional network. Understanding how to properly separate waste into categories is not only a resident's responsibility, but also an investment in the future of our city and planet. When residents sort waste properly, they help reduce pollution, save energy, and create jobs in the recycling sector.
Edmonton's waste sorting system is based on three main streams: blue bags for recyclable materials, green bins for organic waste, and black bins for non-recyclable waste. Each of these streams has its own characteristics, rules, and purpose. In order to use this system as effectively as possible, it is important to understand in detail what type of waste belongs to each category, how to properly prepare materials for disposal, and what mistakes residents most often make when sorting.
Plastic: understanding the different types and Edmonton's rules
Plastic is one of the most difficult materials to recycle in the world because there are over 100 different types of plastic with different properties, melting points, and recyclability. In Edmonton, the recycling system cannot accept all types of plastic due to technical limitations of the equipment at the recycling plant. Understanding these limitations will help residents sort plastic correctly and prevent contamination of recycling systems.
Hard plastic containers are the main category of plastic that Edmonton accepts for recycling. This includes bottles from household chemicals such as shampoo, cleaning products, detergents, and laundry detergents. All of these containers can be disposed of in the blue bag without any problems. Dairy containers, including yogurt, sour cream, and mayonnaise, are also accepted for recycling. It is important that these containers be empty and rinsed before disposal, even if they are just rinsed with water. Food residue can contaminate the entire recycling stream at the factory and turn large volumes of materials into non-recyclable waste.
Plastic clamshell containers, known as clamshells, in which berries, lettuce, mushrooms, and eggs are sold, are also accepted by Edmonton. These containers often cause confusion among residents because they look fragile and may seem impossible to recycle. However, the equipment at the recycling plant is specifically designed to handle such items. Takeout food containers made of hard plastic are also accepted. This includes containers from restaurants that have been stored in residents' refrigerators. Disposable plastic cups, usually clear or white, can also be disposed of in the blue bag. However, it is important to carefully follow the rules for plastic bags in Edmonton, as not all plastic bags are accepted for recycling. The city has implemented a unique system called the “stretch test.” To determine whether a plastic bag can be recycled, you need to try to stretch it with your hands. If the bag stretches and remains elastic, it can be disposed of in the blue bag. Plastic bags that pass this test include regular grocery bags, bread bags, frozen vegetable bags, and dry cleaning bags. It is recommended to place all such bags in one larger bag and tie it before placing it in the blue container.
Bags that do not pass the stretch test, meaning bags that break or tear when stretched, should be disposed of in the black garbage container. These bags are usually made of a different type of plastic that cannot be recycled under the Edmonton program. These include cereal bags, pre-washed salad bags, and vertical snack bags. Although these materials look like the same plastic, they have different chemical properties and cannot be processed by the same equipment as stretch bags.
Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene, is not accepted by blue bags in Edmonton due to equipment limitations. However, starting in 2022, the city has expanded its decision on this material. Large pieces of Styrofoam, such as packing blocks and coolers, are now accepted at eco-stations, where a local company, Styro Re Cycle, collects and recycles this material. It is important to note that only large packaging items are accepted, but takeout food containers, packaging materials, and meat trays are not accepted even at eco-stations.
Plastic utensils, including forks, knives, and spoons, are not recyclable in Edmonton. These items often get mixed up with other materials at the recycling plant and can damage expensive equipment. Plastic drinking straws are also not accepted. Although these items seem small, they can get tangled up in the sorting equipment and jam the factory's technical systems. All of these items should be disposed of in the black garbage container.
It is important to note that recycling symbols with numbers on plastic items do not necessarily mean that the item can be recycled in Edmonton. The city's ability to recycle a particular type of plastic depends not only on the type of plastic according to its classification, but also on the ability to sort it with equipment, the availability of a market for purchasing recycled material, and the ability to transport it economically to purchasing companies. Some types of plastic can be recycled in other Canadian provinces but not in Edmonton for economic reasons.
Preparing plastic for disposal is also critical to successful recycling. All plastic containers must be empty and rinsed before being placed in the blue bag. A quick rinse with water is sufficient for most containers. There is no need to use hot water or detergents, as this consumes energy and resources. Cold water easily removes residues, and the process takes less than a minute per container. Lids on plastic containers can be left on, as they are recycled along with the container itself. The equipment at the recycling plant is smart enough to separate the lids during sorting. Labels also do not need to be removed, as they will be removed during the processing.
Glass: a simple material with a complex recycling process
Glass is one of the easiest materials to understand in the context of recycling in Edmonton, as virtually all types of glass containers are accepted for recycling. Unlike plastic, which has over 100 different types, glass falls into a few basic categories, and Edmonton accepts all of them. This includes glass bottles from wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles from ketchup, mustard, and other condiments are also accepted. Glass jars from jam, pickles, olives, and other canned foods can also be recycled through the blue bag. Furthermore, glass does not differentiate by color during recycling, so clear, green, and brown glass can be mixed in the same bag without any issues.
The process of preparing glass for recycling differs from the process of preparing plastic. Glass containers must be emptied, but they do not need to be washed as thoroughly as plastic. A quick rinse with water is sufficient. However, lids on glass jars and bottles can remain in place without any problems. It is important to realize that glass is a fairly fragile material, and mixing it with other materials in a blue bag can lead to an unpleasant situation. If glass breaks inside the bag, small shards can mix with paper and cardboard, making them unsuitable for recycling. For this reason, it is recommended to place glass in a separate bag or place it at the bottom of the blue bag to fill the space under other materials.
The glass recycling process in Edmonton takes place at the materials processing plant at the city's Waste Management Centre. At this facility, the glass is broken into small pieces called “cullet,” which are usually less than an inch in size. After sorting, these pieces are transported to the city of Airdrie, located 200 kilometers southwest of Edmonton. In Airdrie, the glass is further processed, ground to a sand-like consistency, and sold to manufacturers of fiberglass insulation for homes. This material is used in the construction of new houses and apartments for thermal insulation of walls and roofs. This process allows approximately 95 percent of the glass container material to be recycled, with only 5 percent being non-recyclable waste, including caps, corks, and small dust particles.
It is important to understand that glass can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. Unlike paper, which becomes shorter in fiber length and less suitable for reuse with each recycling cycle, glass can be melted down and remolded into new containers countless times. This makes glass one of the most valuable materials in terms of the circular economy. In many countries around the world, especially in Europe, glass is recycled much more actively than in North America.
However, Edmonton has an alternative glass recycling system that fills an important niche in the recycling ecosystem. Deposit-bearing beverage containers, including glass wine and beer bottles, can be returned to a depot for a refund of the deposit. In this case, the resident receives a cash refund of 10 cents for small containers of 1 liter or less and 25 cents for large containers. The deposit system ensures an extremely high return rate for these containers, over 80 percent. Glass containers returned through the deposit system are processed separately from glass from blue bags. They are often sent to refilling centers, where they are disinfected and refilled with new products, or they are also sent for recycling, but through more specialized facilities.
Organics: green bin and complex composting system
Organic waste accounts for a significant portion of all waste generated in households. In 2021, Edmonton introduced a three-stream waste management system that allocated a separate stream for organic materials. For private homes, organic waste is collected in green bins, and the expansion of this program to multi-unit dwellings is planned to be completed by 2027.
The green bin accepts virtually all types of food waste without any restrictions. This includes meat and bones, which often cause confusion for residents of other cities. Fish bones and seafood shells are also accepted. Vegetables and fruit, both whole and leftover, can be disposed of in the green bin. Bread and baked goods, including sugar buns and cakes, can also go in the organic waste bin. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cream, and cheese can be disposed of in the green bin. Eggs, both in their shells and just the shells, are also accepted. Sauces and spreads, including butter, oil, and jam, can be disposed of in the organic waste. Coffee filters and coffee grounds, as well as tea bags, can also go into the green bin without any problems.
Cardboard items contaminated with food are also accepted for composting. This includes paper inserts from pizza boxes, napkins, and paper towels with food residue. This category is important to understand because it clearly distinguishes clean cardboard, which should go in the blue bag for recycling, from cardboard contaminated with food, which should go in the green container for composting.
Yard waste is also accepted in the green bin. This includes grass clippings, fallen leaves, dead flowers, and branches less than 3 feet long and less than 1 inch in diameter. Indoor and outdoor plants, including potting soil, can also be disposed of. One of the most specific aspects of Edmonton's permit concerns cat litter and pet waste. Unlike most other cities in North America, Edmonton allows cat litter to be disposed of in the green bin. Litter can be disposed of separately or in certified compostable bags. Starting in 2023, the city will also allow regular plastic bags to be used as liners for the green bin, provided they are removed at the composting facility.
However, there are a number of important exceptions and prohibitions for the green bin. Plastic bags of any type, except for certified compostable ones, do not decompose in compost and can damage equipment at the composting facility. Disposable takeaway coffee cups made from mixed materials are also not accepted, as they do not decompose within a reasonable time. Food packaging, such as Styrofoam and hard plastic, must be removed before disposing of food scraps. Beverage deposit containers do not break down in compost and can contaminate the finished product with broken glass.
Hazardous waste should never be placed in the green bin. This includes batteries, chemicals, paint, and even medications. These materials can harm composting plant staff and negatively impact the quality of the finished compost. They must be taken to an eco-station, where staff are specially trained to handle such materials safely.
The process of composting organic waste in Edmonton begins with its collection in green bins each week. The materials are delivered to the City's Waste Management Centre, where they pass through a bag steamer that removes any liners that may have been used to line the bins. The material then undergoes additional processing to remove contaminants such as packaging pieces and recyclable materials that may have accidentally entered the organic stream. The remaining organic material is then converted into compost on site in Edmonton or by a regional contractor nearby. In addition, some of the organic waste is processed in a high-solids anaerobic digestion facility, where the materials are mixed with wastewater and wood chips and then decomposed over a period of approximately one month. This process produces both compost and renewable energy in the form of biogas.
The finished, high-quality compost is made available to Edmonton residents free of charge at the Ambleside and Kennedale eco-stations starting in May each year. Residents can take unlimited amounts of compost throughout the season to spread in their own gardens and vegetable patches. This creates a closed loop where food waste is transformed into a useful product that can be used to enrich the soil and support healthy plants in home gardens. This process allows residents to avoid purchasing expensive fertilizers and soil additives.
Rules for the blue bag and forgotten categories
The blue bag is for recyclable materials. In addition to plastic and glass, the blue bag accepts paper and cardboard. Newspapers, magazines, flyers, and advertising materials are accepted. Office paper and envelopes are also accepted, regardless of whether they have plastic windows. Cardboard boxes of all types, from large shipping boxes to shoe and cereal boxes, are also accepted. Paper bags from grocery stores can be disposed of in the blue bag. Pizza boxes can be recycled, even if they have grease stains from pizza, as long as the paper liner and coarse food debris are removed. A small amount of grease is not a problem for the recycling process, but heavily soiled boxes can contaminate other materials.
It is important to understand that shredded paper is not accepted in the blue bag. Small pieces of paper can clog equipment at the recycling plant, causing damage and long production stoppages. Shredded paper should be disposed of in the black trash container. However, some municipal recycling depots may accept shredded paper, so it is recommended to check with your local depot before disposal.
Metal items are also accepted in the blue bag. Aluminum beverage cans can be disposed of in the blue bag or returned to the depot for a deposit refund. Food cans, including soup and tomato cans, are also accepted. When preparing cans for recycling, it is recommended to place the lid inside the can to prevent sharp edges. Aluminum packaging and foil are also accepted, although there is some confusion about thin foil. Tin cookie tins and other metal containers can also be recycled.
Common mistakes in waste sorting
Many Edmonton residents make common mistakes in waste sorting that can lead to contamination and problems at the recycling plant. One of the most common mistakes is placing items inside each other in the blue bag. When bottles, cans, and containers are placed inside each other, they become more difficult to separate at the recycling plant and often remain clumped together, resulting in improper processing. It is recommended to place items separately in the bag.
Another mistake is leaving large amounts of liquid in containers. Some residents soak containers in water to thoroughly clean them, but this leads to the accumulation of large amounts of water, which can spill onto other materials in the bag. A quick rinse is sufficient. Some people also take out the blue bag in rainy weather without protection, which can cause paper and cardboard to get wet, rendering it unsuitable for recycling.
Contamination from hazardous materials is a serious problem. Residents sometimes throw batteries, medicines, and chemicals into blue bags, hoping that they will be recycled. However, these materials pose a serious danger to recycling plant staff and can damage equipment. Batteries can catch fire or explode during processing, causing injuries and fires. All such materials must be taken to an eco-station.
Some residents also place dirty containers with food scraps in the blue bag, thinking that water will remove the residue during processing. However, food scraps take the form of a common contaminant, which reduces the quality of the recycled material. All containers must be dried before disposal.
Depot systems and alternative disposal methods
In addition to the main blue bag system, Edmonton also maintains a network of community recycling depots. These unstaffed facilities are located throughout the city and provide residents with 24/7 access. Depots accept mixed recycling, including paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. Residents simply need to place materials in containers labeled with the type of material.
Recycling depots are located at approximately 20 locations throughout Edmonton. Key locations include the Strathcona depot at 8505 104 Street and the Millgate depot at 86 Street and Whitemud Drive. These unstaffed facilities accept paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. Cardboard must be flattened before being placed in the container to save space.
The depot system allows people to dispose of materials at their convenience and is not dependent on garbage collection schedules. This is especially useful for people who are renovating their homes or have large amounts of materials to recycle at once. However, depots do not accept certain categories of materials, including furniture, tires, electronics, and large appliances. These items must be taken to an eco-station.
Eco-stations and hazardous waste
Eco-stations in Edmonton serve as comprehensive centers for the disposal of materials that are not accepted by the regular blue bag and depot system. There are four eco-stations in Edmonton: Ambleside, Coronation, Kennedale, and Strathcona. These facilities accept household hazardous waste, including paint, varnish, chemical cleaners, batteries, light bulbs, electronics, large appliances, and other special materials.
Hazardous household waste is generally accepted free of charge. This includes paint, varnish, bleach, drain cleaners, toilet and oven cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, and lawn fertilizers. Motor oil and antifreeze are also accepted at eco-stations. All types of batteries can be dropped off free of charge, as they pose a serious fire hazard at recycling facilities. Edmonton is part of the national Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program, which has collected over 55 million kilograms of batteries since 1997.
Light bulbs of all types, including fluorescent bulbs and halogen fixtures, are also accepted. Propane cylinders, empty aerosol cans, and fire extinguishers can be dropped off for proper disposal. Eco-stations also accept electronics and large appliances. Refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and stoves can be dropped off at eco-stations. Some categories may incur a fee, such as $19 per item for mattresses.
How to use the WasteWise app for proper sorting
Edmonton has developed a free mobile app called WasteWise that helps residents sort almost any item correctly. The app is available for download from Google Play and the Apple App Store. In the app, residents simply enter the name of the item they want to dispose of, and the app will give them precise instructions on where to place it.
The main features of the WasteWise app include searching for instructions on how to sort hundreds of items, viewing a personal waste collection schedule, receiving reminders about collection days, and seasonal notifications about special programs. The app also includes a game for practicing sorting skills. The app is available in 14 languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Punjabi, Portuguese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. Unfortunately, Ukrainian is not currently supported.In addition to the mobile app, Edmonton also offers a web version of WasteWise at edmonton.ca/waste. The web version provides the same functionality as the mobile app, allowing residents to search for items and get instructions from their computer. Residents can also download printed waste collection calendars for 2025 and 2026 for their address.
Conclusion: Skills that help the planet
The skill of proper waste sorting in Edmonton is more than just following the rules. It is contributing to an interconnected system that reduces pollution, saves energy, and creates jobs. When residents understand the difference between plastic, glass, and organics, they actively participate in the circular economy system. Every properly sorted container means less material in the landfill, more materials that will be recycled, and more energy saved through recycling instead of extracting new raw materials.
Edmonton's system is not perfect, but it is one of the most comprehensive and effective in Canada. With the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility program in 2025 and its expansion in 2026, the city's recycling system will continue to evolve and accept more materials. By using the WasteWise app and following simple rules, residents can make a significant contribution to creating a more sustainable future for our city. The city's ultimate goal is to divert 90 percent of all waste from landfills. Achieving this ambitious goal requires every resident to participate in proper sorting and maximizing recycling.