(Cochrane, AB) - Recycling is getting easier in Cochrane. Starting October 1, residents will be able to put more everyday packaging in their blue carts as Alberta expands the materials accepted through residential recycling programs.
The change is part of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, which shifts responsibility for managing the recycling of packaging and paper products to the producers that supply them. Circular Materials manages Alberta’s packaging and paper recycling system on behalf of producers, while BluPlanet Recycling continues to provide curbside recycling collection in Cochrane through its contract with the Town.
Beginning October 1, the following new materials will be accepted in Cochrane’s blue carts:
- Foam packaging, including meat trays, takeout containers, cups, plates and bowls
- Empty food and body aerosol containers, including food spray, hairspray, air freshener, shaving cream and deodorant containers
- Paper-laminate packaging, including spiral cans, ice-cream containers, beverage cups and pet food bags
- More flexible plastic packaging, including chip bags, snack wrappers, coffee bags, deli pouches, cereal liners and plastic gift bags
- Additional plastic packaging, including toothpaste, deodorant and hand-cream tubes and plant pots
Residents should continue to keep recyclables empty, clean, dry and loose in their blue carts. There is no change to collection schedules.
Not sure where something goes? Starting October 1, the What Goes Where tool will be updated to reflect these changes. Use the tool in the My Cochrane Collection app or online at cochrane.ca/waste to find out how to properly recycle or dispose of an item.
For more information about recycling in Cochrane, contact the Waste and Recycling team at wasteandrecycling@cochrane.ca or 403-851-2277.