Calgary residents can now recycle their foam packaging for free as part of a new pilot program launched by the city.
The program, which began on April 12, aims to divert foam packaging from landfills and reduce waste in the city. Residents can drop off their clean and dry foam packaging at any of the four participating recycling depots in Calgary.
This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Calgary, the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, and the Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance. The program is funded by the foam industry and is expected to run for six months.
Foam packaging, also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS), is commonly used in the packaging of electronics, appliances, and furniture. It is lightweight, durable, and provides excellent insulation, making it a popular choice for businesses and consumers. However, it is not accepted in Calgary’s blue bin recycling program and often ends up in landfills.
The foam collected through this pilot program will be recycled into new products such as picture frames, crown molding, and park benches. This will not only reduce waste but also create new opportunities for the foam recycling industry.
According to the City of Calgary, this pilot program has the potential to divert up to 200 tonnes of foam packaging from landfills annually. This aligns with the city’s goal of diverting 70% of waste from landfills by 2025.
Residents are reminded to ensure their foam packaging is clean and dry before dropping it off at the recycling depots. Items such as foam cups, plates, and take-out containers are not accepted in this program and should be disposed of in the regular garbage.
The success of this pilot program will be evaluated after six months to determine its effectiveness and potential for expansion. The City of Calgary encourages residents to participate in this initiative and help reduce waste in the city.
For more information on the foam recycling pilot program, including a list of accepted items and drop-off locations, visit the City of Calgary’s website. Let’s work together to make Calgary a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly city.
