Why Blue Cart?
Recycling is a proven method to decrease the amount of unnecessary waste that ends up in the landfill and reduce the need to process new raw materials. Through recycling, we can conserve our natural resources and prevent harmful pollutants like greenhouse gases.
What goes in the Blue Cart?
- Mixed paper – e.g. office paper, junk mail, envelopes and flyers
- Telephone books
- Corrugated cardboard
- Boxboard – e.g. cereal boxes, shoe boxes and tissue boxes
- Number 1 to 7 plastic containers and lids – e.g. yogurt cups, detergent containers, food platter trays, and plant pots. Plastic Recycling Q&A Backgrounder (pdf)
- Metal cans
Note: Glass bottles and jars will not be accepted in the Blue Cart. Through the new collection system, glass is broken into small pieces that cannot be recovered at the sorting facility. Instead, recycle glass bottles and jars at a community recycling depot.
How do I prepare my Blue Cart for pickup?
Remember to park it, point it and space it:
Park it: Set out the Blue Cart with the lid closed before 7 a.m. on your regular collection day. Ensure your cart is not blocking traffic and is on flat ground away from parked vehicles or other obstructions such as trees.
Point it: Whether you have front street or back alley collection, remember to point the white arrow on the lid of your cart away from your home.
Space it: Put the Blue Cart on flat ground with at least 1 metre clearance on all sides of the cart so the truck’s collection arm can pick it up and empty it. Don’t place it against a fence or garage.
If my Blue Cart fills up, what can I do with my extra recycling?
Recycling set beside, or on top of the Blue Cart will not be picked up. You can always drop off extra recycling at a community recycling depot at no cost. You can hold onto extra recyclables until the next scheduled pickup day.
What should I do with my Blue Box now that I have a cart?
Keep your old Blue Box, and use it to store and transport recyclables to the Blue Cart. If your Blue Box is no longer usable, it can be recycled at a community recycling depot.
What if my Blue Cart is damaged or stolen?
The City will replace Blue and Black Carts that are broken, vandalized or missing, at no charge. Each cart has a serial number specific to each pilot household address. To report a missing cart or to request a new one, call the Blue Line at 403-340-BLUE (2583).
For more information, check out our Cart System FAQ (pdf)
Blue Line: 403-340-BLUE (2583)