Red Deer expands recycling program to accept more packaging starting Oct. 1

The City of Red Deer says residents will be able to recycle a broader range of consumer packaging starting Oct. 1, as part of the next phase of the province's Extended Producer Responsibility system, which is overseen by Circular Materials.

Newly accepted items include aluminum trays and foil, aerosol cans for deodorant, air freshener, hairspray and cooking oil, paper laminates such as hot and cold cups and ice-cream containers, glass food and cosmetic containers, foam meat trays and takeout containers, metal food cans, plastic bags and film, plastic bottles and containers, cartons, flexible packaging like chip bags and pet food bags, spiral cans, stand-up pouches, and toothpaste and deodorant tubes. These items were previously only allowed in garbage bins and black carts.

Some materials will still not be accepted in recycling, including aerosol containers for paint and household cleaners, batteries, books, broken household glass, ceramic dishes, hazardous waste, paper towel, parchment and waxed paper, and plastic toys, dishes and cutlery.

Waste Management Superintendent Janet Cunningham said the change is meant to keep more everyday packaging out of the landfill. Residents are asked to continue sorting materials as they currently do until Oct. 1, then start placing the newly accepted items in their recycling bin if they live in a multi-family dwelling, or their Blue Cart if they live in a single-family home. Collection schedules will not change, and the full list of accepted materials is available on reddeer.ca.