Starting from October 1st, Edmonton residents will have the opportunity to recycle a wider range of disposable items. The City of Edmonton has announced that additional materials, including all plastic packaging like coffee bags, chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, cereal liner bags, and plastic gift bags, will be accepted for recycling through the residential blue bag and bin collection services and at recycling depots.
Shawn Gray, who works as a waste outreach coordinator for the City of Edmonton, highlighted that one of the key changes under the new recycling guidelines is the acceptance of all packaging, regardless of the material. Gray emphasized that if an item is packaging, it can now be placed in the recycling bin, simplifying the process for residents and making recycling more accessible.
Previously, the city advised residents to conduct a “stretch test” on plastic packaging to determine recyclability. Now, all plastic bags can be recycled, eliminating the need for the stretch test. Additionally, coffee cups and similar to-go cups will now be accepted for recycling, a change that is expected to have a significant impact on residents.
Other items that will be accepted for recycling starting in October include various takeout containers and foam packaging such as meat trays and Styrofoam. These changes are partly driven by provincial legislation called the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which aims to shift the responsibility and costs of managing recyclable materials from municipalities to producers.
Circular Materials, a national non-profit organization that assists producers in meeting their obligations under EPR regulations, will be overseeing all recycling programs in Alberta. This shift means that municipalities and taxpayers will no longer bear the costs of recycling services, as producers will now cover these expenses.
As these recycling changes are rolled out, Edmonton residents are encouraged to consult the city’s waste management app, WasteWise, to determine which items are accepted for recycling. This resource can provide clarity on whether an item should go in the recycling, compost, or garbage bin.