Curbside Recycling Services
As of October 1, 2026, High River’s recycling program will be managed by Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Alberta.
Curbside Recycling is Coming to High River
Starting October 2026, High River residents will have access to new curbside recycling services.
The new program is part of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for packaging and paper. Under the EPR system, companies are responsible for funding the recycling of their products once they are used.
For High River residents, this means more materials can be recycled from home, using a new 360-litre recycling cart.
When will I receive my recycling cart?
New recycling carts will be delivered to High River homes and residences mid-to-late September 2026. Carts will be delivered by the recycling collection contractor, T&T Disposal Services & Miller Waste Systems. Carts will be numbered and assigned to your home. The cart stays with the property, so it should remain at the home if the property is sold.
What size is the recycling cart?
Each household will receive a 360-litre recycling cart. The cart is designed to hold your household’s accepted recyclable materials until your scheduled collection day.
What can I put in my recycling cart?
The new recycling program will accept a wide range of packaging and paper materials.
Not sure about an item? Check the acceptable materials information on the Circular Materials website before putting it into your cart.
What does not belong in my recycling cart?
Some items should never be placed into your collection cart. This includes items like batteries, electronics, medical sharps, hazardous aerosols or propane tanks. These materials can pose serious risks to the collection workers and can cause fires or other hazards when placed in recycling.
A good rule to remember: If it lights up, beeps, buzzes, or charges, it probably has a battery and does not belong in your household recycling.
When in doubt, check the Circular Materials accepted materials list before placing an item in your cart.
How to prepare your recycling
A few simple steps will help make sure your recycling can be properly sorted and processed. Before putting items in your cart:
- Empty and clean containers
Containers should be empty, clean and dry. Give containers a quick rinse when needed. - Keep recyclables loose
Place accepted materials directly into your cart. Do not bag your recycling. - Flatten cardboard
Flatten cardboard to help make room in your cart. Cardboard should be no larger than 60 cm x 60 cm when flattened. - Check your lids
Remove lids from glass containers. Leave lids on other acceptable containers. - Keep garbage and organics out
Your recycling cart is for designated recyclable materials only. Garbage and organics do not belong in your recycling.
How to set out your recycling cart?
Putting your cart in the right location helps collection crews safely and efficiently service your home. On collection day:
- Place your cart at the curb with the wheels facing your home.
- Have your cart out by 7 a.m.
- Keep the cart lid fully closed.
- Place the cart at least 3 feet (approximately 1 metre) away from fences, vehicles, lamp posts, power lines and other obstacles.
- Make sure the cart does not block vehicle paths.
- During winter, place your cart on a flat surface that is clear of snow and ice.
- Put all accepted recyclables inside the cart. Materials left beside the cart will not be collected.
After collection, bring your cart back from the curb.
When is recycling collected?
The first scheduled recycling collection is tentatively booked for Monday, October 12, 2026. After the first collection, recycling will be collected every other Monday.
Please have your cart out for collection by 7 a.m. on collection day.
Holiday schedules may affect collection dates. Check your collection schedule before putting your cart out.
What happens if my collection is missed?
If your recycling was not collected as scheduled or you experience an issue, contact T&T Disposal Services & Miller Waste Systems. Residents can reach out regarding carts and recycling collection.
- Phone: 403-938-7930
- Email: recycling@tandtdisposals.ca
Reports received before 2 p.m. will be serviced the same business day whenever possible. Reports received after 2 p.m. will be serviced by the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for the new recycling service?
No. Under Alberta’s EPR framework, producers (the companies that supply packaging and paper) are responsible for funding and managing the recycling program. This means municipalities and taxpayers will not directly pay for the recycling collection services.
Will I still have a recycling depot if I have curbside collection?
Yes. The High River Recycling Depot will remain operational. It will be transitioned to a single-stream collection system, allowing materials to be collected rather than separated by material type.
The depot will continue to provide an option for residents with extra or oversized recycling that does not fit in their curbside cart. For information about other recycling depots in Alberta, visit Circular Materials.
Can I put recycling in a black garbage bag?
No. Recyclables should be placed loose in your recycling cart. Do not put your recycling in garbage bags or plastic bags.
Can I put cardboard beside my cart?
No. Materials placed outside the cart will not be collected. Flatten cardboard to no larger than 60 cm x 60 cm and place it inside your cart.
Can I opt out of the curbside recycling program?
Residents are encouraged to keep and use their blue bins for at least 90 days to try out the service. After that time, if residents wish to opt out they can contact T & T Disposal Services to arrange for that.
- Phone: 403-938-7930
- Email: recycling@tandtdisposals.ca
How will residents be informed about how this program works?
Information is available online on the Town website and the Circular Materials website about this program.
A recycling guide will be sent directly to the homes of High River residents, and updates will be shared through the High River Times newspaper and social media.
Who will receive a blue recycling cart?
Any residence within High River that currently receives garbage collection directly from the Town will receive a blue cart in mid-to-late September.
Can I get a smaller size cart?
At this time, the 360-litre cart is the only size that is available.
Need help?
For questions about what you can recycle, your cart and collection service, including missed pickups:
T&T Disposal Services & Miller Waste Systems
- 403-938-7930
- recycling@tandtdisposals.ca
For general information about Alberta's recycling program, accepted materials, depots and the EPR system, visit Circular Materials: www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-communities/high-river/
T&T Disposal Services & Miller Waste Systems
recycling@tandtdisposals.ca
403-938-7930
Circular Materials
customerservice@circularmaterials.ca
1-877-667-2626
Circular Materials Community Webpage
Circular Materials Resident Inquiry Form