How to use the “blue/green/black bin” system in Calgary?

Top tip: For effective sorting and lower fees, only pay for trash in the black bin, and put all recyclables in the blue (recycling) and green (compost) bins—it's good for the environment and your wallet.

System overview

The City of Calgary provides three different bins for different types of waste:

  • Blue Cart – Recyclable materials only (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic) with weekly collection.
  • Green Cart – Edible and organic waste: food scraps and yard waste. Weekly pickup from April to October and biweekly from November to March.
  • Black Cart – All other household waste that cannot be recycled or composted. Collection every two weeks.

Each program is funded through a fixed monthly fee that does not depend on the number of collections.

Blue bin: sorting and preparation rules

What is accepted:

  • Paper and cardboard (newspapers, magazines, envelopes, boxes)
  • Glass bottles and jars (cleaned)
  • Metal cans and foil (crushed into a ball)
  • Plastic containers (bottles, detergent containers, shampoo bottles, etc.)
  • Bags with mixed plastic bags or shredded paper in transparent tied bags — so that they do not get stuck in the sorting machines.

What not to recycle:

  • Propellant cylinders, propane cylinders, aerosols, batteries, electronics
  • Polymer foam plastic tableware (Styrofoam)
  • Disposable plastic tableware (plates, cutlery)

Preparation:

  • Dispose of contents loose (do not transfer to bags), except for bags containing mixed bags or paper.
  • All containers must be washed and dried.
  • Place the bin on the sidewalk by 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection.

Green bin: composting food and garden waste

Seasonal collection schedule:

  • Weekly from April to October
  • Every two weeks from November to March

What is accepted:

  • Food waste: fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, cooked meals, tea filters, napkins
  • Garden waste: leaves, grass, branches, flowers
  • Pet litter and litter in certified compostable bags
  • Wood shavings, wooden sticks, burnt barbecue coals and ash

What not to accept:

  • Plastic, bio- or oxo-degradable bags
  • Diapers, fabrics, textiles
  • Treated wood

Tips:

  • Use paper bags or certified compostable bags for kitchen waste.
  • Add a little baking soda periodically to control odors.
  • Before placing the bin out, close the lid tightly by 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection.

Black bin: waste for landfill

Schedule: once every two weeks on the same days as the green bin is collected during the cold season, or separately from the blue and green bins. Weight limit: up to 60 kg or up to 4 large garbage bags.

What is accepted:

  • Non-recyclable packaging (chip bags, chocolate wrappers)
  • Styrofoam containers
  • Hygiene products (diapers, wipes, cotton swabs)
  • Broken small household appliances
  • Anything else that is not suitable for recycling or composting.

What to do with excess waste:

  • Purchase bag tags ($3 each) and leave them outside your bin, 0.5 m away from it.
  • Or use private services such as Extra Garbage Day for regular collection of additional bags.

How to find your schedule and get reminders

  • Go to calgary.ca/waste and enter your address in the “Get a calendar” or “Get a reminder” search field.
  • Save the online calendar or sign up for SMS/email notifications.
  • Download the Calgary Garbage Day mobile app for automatic reminders.

Additional recommendations

  • Remember to close the lids—a tidy bin prevents litter from being scattered by the wind and animals.
  • Move bins to a dark or cool area (garage, porch) to reduce odors and sidewalk clutter.
  • Purchase additional bins in a timely manner: City allows you to request a second basic bin at your address through 311 (with a monthly payment plan).

Proper use of the three-bin system saves money, reduces landfill waste, and improves Calgary's environment. Follow these rules to make your sorting simple and effective!