How the System Works
The Alberta beverage container recycling system is a great example of a circular economy. Using a refund-deposit system, beverage containers are stewarded from production, to distribution, to sale and use, to recycling, and back to production. By reducing reliance on virgin material, preventing containers from reaching a landfill and increasing recycling infrastructure, the Alberta beverage container recycling system works to protect our environment and stimulate a vibrant economy that funds many social programs and communities.
The flow chart below depicts the movement of beverage containers through the system, from the manufacturer/distributor to the end markets where the containers are recycled or reused (glass beer bottles).
The flow chart below depicts cash flow in the beverage container recycling system.
