Recycling materials are placed into clear blue plastic bags and are put out every week on your regular collection day.

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Recycling and collection day guidelines | Why use clear blue bags for recycling? | Acceptable recyclables | Recycling stations | Rural recycling events | Electronics and battery recycling | What happens to recycled items? | Keep our collectors safe | Recycle old shoes

Recycling and collection day guidelines

• There is no limit to the amount of blue bags you can leave out for collection
• Ensure that all broken glass and sharps are wrapped and placed in your black cart
• Keep your blue bag under 25 kg (50 lb)
• Containers placed in recycling must be rinsed and dried
• Cardboard must be flattened and each piece must be 2 feet by 3 feet or smaller; cardboard can go inside the bag or be stacked beside or under the rest of your recycling
• Cardboard that cannot be cut or folded can be brought to a recycling station
• Mix heavier and lighter materials to prevent light bags from blowing away
• Crush or squish containers to fit more materials into one bag

Although not recommended, using reusable containers to collect recyclables must meet the guidelines in Bylaw 39-2014, in terms of type, size and weight. 

• Containers and contents must weigh less than 25 kg (50 lbs)
• Containers must be at least 36 cm (18") tall but no more than 76 cm (30") tall
• Containers must have proper handles for lifting
• Be made of plastic, metal, or other impermeable material
• Be in good condition/repair

Why use clear blue bags for recycling?

• Cleaner neighbourhoods: blue bags keep recycling contained, so it does not end up all over your street on windy days or if your recycling is accidentally dumped when being collected.
• Keeps utility fees down: contaminated recycling leads to higher processing costs, which increases utility fees. Blue bags are see-through, so collectors can quickly scan the contents for contaminants such as waste or organics.
• Keeps our collectors safe: blue bags are easier for collectors to handle. They can easily toss the bag into the recycling truck.
• Efficient service: blue bags are easier to spot than transparent bags, especially in winter.

Acceptable recyclables

Containers must be rinsed, dried and empty. No lids or caps. Our recyclables currently go to a local materials recovery facility. You can also search items using the waste wizard.

Recycling stations

Strathcona County has two recycling stations and monthly rural recycling events.

Broadview Enviroservice Station

Ardrossan Recycle Station

80-3 Avenue, Ardrossan
View on Google maps
Open seven days a week, 24/7. The Ardrossan boy scouts help keep this station clean—keep them safe.

South Cooking Lake rural recycling events

Help keep our collectors safe!

Collectors work hard to make sure your recycling is picked up. Help them reduce their chances of injury by following these tips:

• Keep blue bags of recycling 25 kg (50 lbs) and under
• Broken glass and other sharp materials go in your black waste cart
• Securely tie your blue bags 

More information