The container’s journey starts at one of Alberta’s many purchase points – grocery stores, liquor stores or convenience stores. Yes – even alternative milk cartons, juice boxes, drink pouches and bi-metal vegetable juice cans are eligible for a refund.
The Life of a Refundable Beverage Container
Ready for You
After enjoying the beverage, the empty container is rinsed and placed in a recycling bin instead of the garbage. Don’t trash it! Returning it to a depot ensures it’s recycled the right way.
The Recycling Decision
The container is returned to a local depot. You get your deposit back – 10¢ for 1L or under, 25¢ for over 1L. Every container counts. Returning it helps reduce waste and gets cash back in your pocket.
Bring it in. Get it back.
ABCRC collects and transports containers to one of two processing facilities in Alberta, either in Calgary or St. Albert. Most Albertans don’t see this step – but it’s vital to the system.
Behind the Scenes
Bottles and cans are cleaned and sorted by container type…all 150,000 different types of containers!
Cleaned and Sorted
Sorted containers are compressed into bales – valuable commodities sold to recyclers and manufacturers who turn them into something new.
Commodities in Motion
Each material is transformed into something new – like tissue paper, cardboard boxes or insulation. The more that’s returned, the more that’s reused. Polycoat/gable-top cartons can become paper and packaging or building materials. Plastic bottles can become new food grade containers, new beverage containers or even park benches!
A New Purpose
Every container returned fuels Alberta’s circular economy – reducing waste, creating jobs and conserving resources. Completing the loop starts with you.
Full Circle, Fresh Start
