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.
Beverage Container Collection Services
Beverage Container collection services have been around for some time and are usually run by legitimate organizations. Unfortunately, there are a few that are operating fraudulently. Please click here to learn about collection services.
October 29, 2020