City of Calgary · Waste & Recycling Guide
Recycling in Calgary (2026)
Calgary's three-cart system makes it easy to divert waste from landfill. Here's what goes in each cart, when pickup happens, and where to take special items like electronics and hazardous waste.
Official Waste & Recycling at calgary.caFind your pickup day: Download the free My Waste app (iOS & Android) or use the online schedule lookup at calgary.ca — enter your address to see your exact collection days.
Calgary's Three-Cart System
Special Recycling Programs
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Free drop-off for paint, batteries, electronics, cleaners, pesticides, and fluorescent bulbs. Three locations: NE, NW, and SE Calgary.
HHW locations & hoursLarge Item Pickup
Book a free large item collection for furniture, appliances, and other oversized items. Limited to 5 items per booking. Not for construction debris.
Book large item pickupEco Centres (Drop-Off Depots)
Self-serve drop-off for recyclables, composting, hazardous waste, and electronics. Open year-round across multiple locations in Calgary.
Find an Eco CentreElectronics Recycling
Drop off old computers, phones, TVs, and appliances at HHW facilities, Best Buy, Staples, or London Drugs. The EPRA program covers most consumer electronics.
Electronics recycling infoRecycling Tips for Calgary Residents
Rinse containers before placing in blue cart — food residue can contaminate recyclables.
Flatten cardboard to save space. Large pieces can go beside the cart on pickup day.
Plastic bags are NOT accepted in blue carts. Return them to grocery stores (Safeway, Co-op, Superstore).
Set carts out by 7 AM on collection day. Carts must be at the curb edge, lids closed.
Black cart overage (side waste) is collected for an extra fee — minimize it by composting.
Free recycling schedule magnets are available at City offices and many grocery stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put in Calgary's blue cart?
Calgary's blue cart accepts paper (newspapers, cardboard, flattened boxes), rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs), glass bottles and jars, metal cans and foil, and cartons (milk, juice). Items should be clean, dry, and loose — not bagged.
How do I find my blue cart pickup day in Calgary?
Use the City of Calgary's online schedule lookup at calgary.ca or the My Waste app (free download for iOS and Android). Enter your address to see your pickup days for black cart, blue cart, and green cart collection.
Where can I drop off hazardous waste in Calgary?
Calgary has three Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities: in the NE, NW, and SE. They accept paint, batteries, electronics, cleaners, pesticides, and other hazardous materials. Residential drop-off is free. Visit calgary.ca/hhw for locations and hours.
Does Calgary have a green cart composting program?
Yes. Calgary's Green Cart program collects food scraps and yard waste for composting. The green cart is collected bi-weekly in winter and weekly in summer in most communities. Accepted materials include fruit/vegetable scraps, meat, dairy, bread, yard trimmings, and paper towels.
Where can I recycle electronics in Calgary?
Calgary's Household Hazardous Waste facilities accept most electronics for recycling. Best Buy, Staples, and London Drugs also offer in-store electronics recycling. The Electronic Recycling Association has drop-off depots across the city.