Published on June 11, 2025

Coming to a Street Near You

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring brings not only sunshine but also a lot of activity at the curb in St. Albert. From grasscycling to large item pickup, to expanded recycling options, there’s a lot happening that helps keep our city clean and green. Here’s everything you need to know to stay on top of your curbside collection this season.

Recycling Update: More Items Now Accepted!

The Blue Bag Recycling Program has some exciting updates! As of April 1, 2025, the program now accepts more types of recyclables thanks to the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations across Alberta.

Newly accepted items include: plastic clamshell containers — like the ones that hold fruits, salads or takeout — and non-beverage “Tetra Pak” cartons, such as those used for soup, broth or liquid eggs. To find a list of accepted and not accepted items and to access a search tool, visit the Blue Bag Recycling page

Recycling Program Fee Changes: As of May 1, 2025, recycling program fees have been reduced from $6.54 to $1.40 per month. The City is recovering the maximum amount of costs possible through EPR and stewardship programs to decrease rates for residents. EPR shifts the cost of recycling from municipalities and residents to the manufacturers.

Brown Cart Fee Changes

The Residential Solid Waste Management Bylaw (6/2025) was amended and approved by City Council on April 1, 2025. These changes are to encourage waste reduction that will divert more waste through organics and recycling options. These changes support the City’s Green Initiative goals.

Brown Cart Fee Changes in effect May 1, 2025:

Any request for an increase in cart size will incur a one-time $50 dollar admin fee (no fees for a decrease in cart size).
New requests for an additional brown cart cost $20.80 per month per cart, in addition to the first 240L cart fee ($10.40/month) and the flate rate ($10.04).
Current residents with multiple carts will be contacted with options to reduce the number of carts before any fee changes are implemented in 2026.

Learn more about programs, sorting and collection schedules

Large Item Pickup: Coming Soon

Mark your calendars! Large Item Pickup returns this June, giving residents a convenient way to dispose of oversized household items that don’t fit into their regular waste carts.

Pickup dates are:

Guidelines:

Each household can place up to two large items out for collection.
Acceptable items include sofas, tables, stoves, washers, mattresses and box springs. Unlimited electronics will also be collected.
Please remember that certain items cannot be collected curbside.
No refrigerators, car parts, swing sets, hazardous waste or anything containing freon. Items must also not exceed 6 feet by 3 feet in size or weigh more than 200 pounds.
Place large items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your Brown Cart collection day.
Leave at least one metre of space from carts, vehicles or trees. Label items for pickup like sports nets or lawnmowers. Drain fluids from barbeques and lawnmowers.

For more detailed guidelines, visit the Large Item Pickup page

Grasscycling: Mow and Go!

Looking for a way to skip some curbside collection? Grasscycling is an easy, eco-friendly option that keeps your lawn healthy and reduces waste – and saves you some time! Grasscycling simply means leaving your grass clippings on the lawn.

Grasscycled lawns look healthy and green. Grass clippings decompose quickly — usually within just a few days — returning valuable nutrients to the soil. It’s a natural and healthy way to fertilize your yard, keep moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.
Grasscycling also reduces the volume of waste that needs to be hauled to the compost depot. During the summer, up to 75 percent of Green Organics Cart material is grass clippings!

Ready to ditch the bag? Learn how on the Grasscycling page

Battery Recycling

Also, thanks to new partnerships established due to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the Recycling Depot can now accept e-mobility (e-bike) batteries and damaged lithium batteries.

Batteries contain hazardous metals and acids that can harm the environment if thrown in the trash.
Lithium-ion batteries can also explode and start fires, causing millions of dollars of damage.

The City can ensure they are sent for recycling safely and free of charge. Batteries can be dropped off at the Mike Mitchell Recycling Depot