Garbage, Compost & Recycling

2025 Waste Collection Schedule - Effective January 2, 2025

2025 ROLL OUT SCHEDULE (PRINTABLE VERSION)
2025 WASTE COLLECTION AREA MAP (PRINTABLE VERSION) 

Contracted Service

The Town of Olds contracts Empringham Disposal for Residential Roll Out Bin Collection. 

Was your bin missed on pickup day? 

Call Empringham Disposal at 403-392-3870.

Additional Bins

Additional waste bins are available for residences. There is a one-time fee of $92 for a bin of any color.

Monthly fees based on bin color are as follows:

  • Black: $10 per month
  • Green: $3 per month
  • Blue: $3 per month

Unwanted extra bin?

With the upcoming changes to the waste schedule, some residents may have an extra bin that is no longer required.   If you ordered an extra bin before December 31, 2023 and would like to return it, please contact the town by June 30, 2024.

Call 403-507-4820 or email utilities@olds.ca to order or return your bin.

 

Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling program

Starting April 1, 2025, the Town of Olds will be part of a province-wide recycling change called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This change comes from new provincial rules that shift responsibility for recycling from towns and cities to the companies that make packaging and paper products. ​
Extended Producer Responsibility | Alberta.ca

What This Means for You

  • You do not need to change how you recycle.

    Your blue bag recycling and hazardous waste disposal will continue as usual for now.

  • You may notice improvements over time.

    Because companies will now be responsible for collecting and recycling packaging and printed paper, the province expects recycling programs to become more consistent and efficient across Alberta.

  • There may be less cost to the Town.

    Shifting costs from municipalities to producers means recycling programs may become more cost-effective in the future.

  • No new bins or schedules,

    There are no immediate changes to collection schedules or what goes into your recycling. If that changes, we will let you know well in advance.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a provincial recycling system that makes companies responsible for the full life cycle of the packaging and paper they produce — including collection and recycling.

This encourages businesses to:

  • Use less packaging

  • Create recyclable materials

  • Take back what they produce

What’s Included?

Packaging and Paper Products (PPP)

– Newspaper, flyers, cardboard, boxes, plastic containers, single-use items like straws and cutlery

These materials will now be managed by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and other producer-run programs.

What’s Next?

  • We’re in Phase 1 of Alberta’s rollout. Olds is part of the first group of communities transitioning into the new system.

  • No action is required by residents at this time.

  • We’ll keep you updated as the program evolves or if anything changes in how or what you can recycle.

Questions?

Visit the province's website at alberta.ca/extended-producer-responsibility or contact the Town of Olds Waste Management team.

 

Olds Bottle Depot

Contact

4314 50 Avenue

Phone: 403-556-3818

Hours:  Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the Olds Bottle Depot Website 

Acceptable Items: 

The Olds Bottle Depot accepts all refundable drink containers and is operated by Accredited Supports to the Community. 

Landfill - Didsbury Transfer Station

The closest landfill site to Olds is located at the Didsbury Transfer Station (see on map), open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The landfill site is owned  and operated by:
MOUNTAIN VIEW REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT.

Parking on Collection Day

If you live in a cul-de-sac, please parallel park with passenger side wheels to the curb on waste collection days.  

This helps collection trucks reach your carts and turn around safely in the cul-de-sac.

To reach the bins, collection trucks need to be within 3 meters (10 feet) of the bin. This can be difficult when a vehicle is angle parked near the bin.

Black Bin (Waste) FAQ

What goes in the black bin?

Waste is any material that isn’t organic and can’t be recycled.  Common waste materials include the following: 

  • Regular household garbage, furnace and water filters, garden hoses 
  • Diapers and baby wipes, bandages, dental floss, razors, makeup, toothbrushes, toothpaste, twist ties 
  • Non-recyclable packaging, bows, ribbons, Christmas ornaments, hangers (metal and plastic) 
  • Mixed material items (e.g., broken toys containing metal, plastic, rubber, cloth) that can’t be separated 
  • Balloons, chalk, crayons, felt, gum, tape, photos, chip bags, candy wrappers, plastic straws and cutlery

Note – waste does not include large amounts of sod, rock, construction material or hazardous waste.

How do I use my bin?

  • Roll it out by 7:00 am
  • Leave 3 feet of clear space around the cart 
  • Close the lid 
  • Have the wheels of the cart on the curb (front of the house) or wheels of the cart clear of the fence in the alley
  • Be free of contamination (i.e. items in the wrong cart or are not prepared properly)

What if I missed collection?

If your bin met all requirements but was not collected, please call Empringham Disposal at 403-392-3870 with your name, address, phone number and colour of cart missed. 

What happens if my bin is damaged or stolen?

All bins are the property of the Town of Olds. It is your responsibility to ensure that your bin is kept secure. If your bin is damaged beyond repair during collection while out on your Collection Day, we will replace it at no direct charge to you. However, if you cause / allow the damage or if your bin is stolen, you will be required to pay for a replacement.

Blue Bin (Recycling) FAQ

What goes in the blue bin?

Accepted Blue bin items

Where do my recycling/blue bin items go?

All residential recycling/blue bin materials are now processed at GFL Canada's new state-of-the-art material recovery facility (MRF) in Calgary. These facilities use advanced technologies, including ballistic screens, optical sorters, and robotics, to efficiently sort and prepare recyclable materials. The MRF helps divert valuable resources—such as wood, paper, cardboard, and plastics—from landfills, promoting sustainability and waste reduction.

View the News Release of the New Facility

How do I prepare my recycling?

  • Break down and flatten boxes, large cans and plastic containers 
  • Empty and rinse containers 
  • Do not bag your recycling

How do I use my bin?

  • Roll it out by 7:00 am
  • Leave 3 feet of clear space around the cart 
  • Close the lid 
  • Have the wheels of the bin on the curb (front of the house) or wheels of the cart clear of the fence in the alley
  • Be free of contamination (i.e. items in the wrong cart or are not prepared properly)

What if I missed collection?

If your bin met all requirements but was not collected, please call Empringham Disposal at 403-392-3870 with your name, address, phone number and colour of cart missed. 

Green Bin (Compost) FAQ

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE GREEN BIN ITEMS

What compost material is acceptable?

  • Food and food scraps: if you can eat it, you can toss it in your green cart
  • Food-soiled paper: any paper goods that touched food
  • Natural fibres like nail clippings, toothpicks, wooden chopsticks, cotton balls and lint
  • Pet products like kitty litter, pet fur, feathers and pet waste (in compostable bags only)
  • Plant material

Note – compost material does not include plastic, glass, paper products, hygiene products, diapers, sod, tree trunks, large tree roots/branches, synthetic material

What type of bags am I allowed to put in the compost bin?

  • Paper, cardboard, and certified compostable bags are allowed in the organics cart. When buying compostable bags, look for one of the following certified compostable logos on the box. The bags will usually be tinted (green, brown etc.) and will have the certified compostable logo(s) printed directly on the bag.
  • No Plastic Bags. Plastic Bags interfere with the composting process and break down into small pieces of plastic that will contaminate the finished compost.

Note – bags labelled as biodegradable and oxo-degradable are also made from plastic and do not belong in the green bins.

Special instructions – tie your compostable bag to keep food from spilling by knotting at the top or using a natural fiber string. Do not use elastics or twist ties as they are not compostable.

How do I use my bin?

  • Roll it out by 7:00 am
  • Leave 3 feet of clear space around the cart 
  • Close the lid 
  • Have the wheels of the cart on the curb (front of the house) or wheels of the cart clear of the fence in the alley
  • Be free of contamination (i.e. items in the wrong cart or are not prepared properly)

What if I missed collection?

If your bin met all requirements but was not collected, please call Empringham Disposal at 403-392-3870 with your name, address, phone number and colour of cart missed. 

Can I use my green bin over the winter?

Yes, we encourage residents to continue using green bins over winter.  According to research, the average family can handle about 3 months of organic waste.  Based on this, the Town of Olds offers a mid-winter pick up in January to divert more waste from the landfill.   

Community Grass Bin Service Changes FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Community Grass Bin Service Changes

Q: What changes are being made to the Community Grass Bins? 

The Community Grass Bins program is being discontinued and residents of Olds are encouraged to use their residential green bins to manage green waste. Residential Green Bins offer a robust, cost effective and practical way for citizens of Olds to manage organic waste. 

Q: Why are changes being made to the community grass bins in Olds?   

Olds, like many communities, faces increasing costs for services, goods, and fees so strategic decisions were made to continue providing valuable services while keeping our community affordable. These changes to our Community Grass Bins are designed to optimize resource allocation, ensuring essential services can continue without increasing the financial burden on taxpayers.   

Q: What issues have been identified with the use of community grass bins?   

Two main issues have been observed: misuse and contamination. Contamination of bins by putting materials in that should not be included, affects both cost and the efficiency of waste processing. This misuse undermines our partnership with Strickland Farms, which uses the green waste to create compost for agricultural use.   

Q: What are the new solutions and alternatives for managing organic waste?   

To directly benefit Olds' residents and ensure efficient use of tax dollars, we're increasing residential green bin services. These bins are a robust way to manage household organic waste, designed to offset the reduction of community grass bins.   

Based on resident feedback in the 2023 Budget Survey our waste collection services increased from a 3-week rotation to a weekly service.  Beginning January 1, 2024, black bins (waste) and blue bins (recycling) are picked up on alternating weeks while green bins (organic) are collected each week from April 1 – November 1. 

Q: What if one green bin isn’t enough for my needs? 

Additional green bins can be purchased through the town office.  There is a one-time fee of $92.00 for these bins, as well as a minimal monthly fee of $3.00. 

Q: How can residents ensure they are using the residential green bins correctly?   

Clear, easy-to-understand guidelines are provided to clarify what is allowed in the residential green bins to minimize misuse. This will help maintain the efficiency of our waste management process and ensure the success of our green waste program for residents. 

Q: How can the community provide feedback on these changes?   

We welcome your feedback and any suggestions you may have. Feedback can be submitted through our website using our Report-a-Problem form: www.olds.ca/RAP    

Q: How will the town measure the success of the adjusted waste management strategy?   

Success will be measured through improved efficiency in waste management, reduced contamination in green waste, and by feedback from the community formally through the Report-a-Problem system and informally through social media comments and phone calls. We commit to keeping residents informed of our progress and will make further adjustments needed.   

Q: How do these changes contribute to water conservation and healthier landscapes?   

With potential drought and water restrictions, managing yard waste efficiently is a crucial step in water conservation. These changes encourage practices for healthier, more robust landscapes, aligning with our community’s environmental sustainability goals.   

 

Please visit these links to learn more about the benefits of leaving grass clippings on the lawn, how to be a pollinator pal or visit the government of Alberta’s page on how to support water conservation. 

 

View the official news release here.

Home Composter Rebate Program

Composting contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, where it would generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Additionally, composting enriches soil, fostering healthier plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, thus promoting biodiversity. This nutrient-rich compost also helps retain moisture in the soil, aiding in water conservation efforts by reducing the need for irrigation, particularly in areas prone to drought.
Overall, composting plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and conserving water resources.

How it Works

STEP 1 - Determine Eligibility

Eligible Applicants Must:

  • Be a Town of Olds Resident
  • Have a Town of Olds Utility Account

PLEASE NOTE: compost bins purchased prior to April 22, 2024 are not eligible for rebates.

STEP 2 - Purchase Compost Bin

Eligible Compost Bins:

  • Must be purchased new.

 

STEP 3 - Application for Rebate

To Receive your Rebate - Send in, or, bring in the following:

Incomplete applications will be returned and must be resubmitted.

 

Important Details:

  • One application form must be completed for each new compost bin rebate.
  • Maximum of one compost bin rebate per residence.
  • Compost Bin Rebates are processed on a first-come, first-processed basis.
  • The rebate amount is 50% up to $50.

 

WHY HAVE A COMPOST BIN?

  • Reduce the amount organic waste sent to landfills
  • Soil Enrichment with essential nutrients
  • Improves soil structure!

 

Check out other Rebate Programs for Rain Barrels and Toilet Replacement!

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