Garbage, Compost & Recycling

Update on Recycling Centres in Olds (July, 2023)

Mountain View Regional Waste Commission has announced its decision to stop servicing recycling centres in the area. 

As of July 31, 2023, all Recycling Centres in Olds are closed.

Visit the Mountain View Regional Waste Commission website for more information on recycle centre closures.

Options for Town Residents

This closure does not affect the Residential Blue Bin Program, which provides robust recycling capabilities and does not get directed to the landfill. Please continue to use your blue bin on your regular rotation.

See the news release regarding the closure

If needed, additional waste bins are available for residences. There is a one-time fee of $70 for a bin of any colour.
Monthly fees based on bin colour are as follows:
Black: $10 per month
Green: $3 per month
Blue: $3 per month
Call 403-507-4820 or email utilities@olds.ca to order your bin.

The Didsbury Landfill Transfer Station is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday accepts waste products for a fee. Visit the link below for information on accepted items.

www.mountainviewwaste.ca

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.

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.

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.  Look for these two symbols when purchasing your certified compostable bags.

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.