Blue Cart

Blue Carts are for recyclables such as numbered plastics, paper, cardboard and metal cans.

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What goes in the Blue Cart?

In general, you can recycle paper, cardboard, metal cans and plastics #1 through 7. This includes:

  • Newspaper
  • Magazines
  • Mixed paper - e.g. office paper, junk mail, envelopes and flyers
  • Telephone books
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Boxboard - e.g. cereal boxes, shoe boxes and tissue boxes
  • Number 1 to 7 plastic containers and lids - e.g. yogurt cups, detergent containers, food platter trays, and plant pots
  • Metal cans

Unacceptable items: Glass bottles and jars are not accepted in Blue Carts. When Blue Carts are emptied into the collection truck, glass is broken into small pieces that cannot be recovered at the sorting facility. Instead, recycle glass bottles and jars at a recycling drop-off depot.

How do I use my cart?
  1. Store your carts where it is most convenient for you, like in your yard or garage.
  2. Write your address on the white area on the side of your carts.
  3. Review what goes inside each cart.
  4. Set the appropriate carts out on your collection day.
  5. Place any excess yard waste beside the Green Cart, according to the pickup guidelines.
  6. Return the carts back to your property after collection.
  7. Periodically rinse your carts to help keep them tidy.
How do I prepare my recyclables?
  1. Flatten and break down boxes to save space.
  2. Empty and rinse containers. 
  3. Flatten larger cans and plastic containers to save space.
  4. DO NOT put your recycling in a clear blue plastic bag or a plastic grocery bag.
What are the cart size options?

There is only one charge on your utility bill that covers Green, Blue and Black Cart collection services. The amount is determined by the size of Black Cart selected only. Your Green, Blue and Black Cart do not need to be the same size. 

Small:
120 litres - holds 2 blue boxes of recycling or 1 ½ regular garbage bags
Monthly utility rate if you select a 120 litre Black Cart: $20.50
Graphic showing how much garbage a small cart will hold 
Medium:
240 litres - holds 4 blue boxes of recycling or 3 regular garbage bags
Monthly utility rate if you select a 240 litre Black Cart: $25.00
Graphic showing how much garbage a medium sized cart will hold 
Extra Large:
360 litres - holds 6 blue boxes of recycling or 4 ½ garbage bags
Monthly utility rate if you select a 360 litre Black Cart: $31.50
Graphic showing how much garbage an extra large sized cart will hold 
Can I request a different size Blue Cart?

Residents may request a different Blue or Black Cart size. Residents cannot request a different Green Cart size because Green Cart sizes are based on lot size.

A $51.75 Cart Exchange Fee will be charged when residents request a cart size change. The exchange fee may be waived if residents request an exchange at the time of, or shortly after opening a new utility account when the carts assigned to the property do not meet the needs of their household.

Cart exchange requests can be made by phoning the Blue Line at 403-340-BLUE (2583) or by email at carts@reddeer.ca.

Is there a weight limit for carts?

Yes, the weight of the cart and the material in the cart must not exceed 45 kg (100 lbs.) for a small cart, 90 kg (200 lbs.) for a medium cart of 115 (250 kg (250 lbs.) for an extra-large cart.

If you can easily roll your cart, it is likely not overweight. If your cart is too heavy, remove some material and save it for your next collection day. If you are putting heavy material in your cart such as apples that have fallen from your trees or wet leaves in the spring, you may want to fill your cart only half full.

Recycling Drop-off Depot

We operate two recycling drop-off depots for individuals and small businesses.

Apartment & Multi Family Recycling

Learn about options that exist for recycling in apartments and other multi-family complexes.

Electronics Recycling

Recycle your old electronics for free at our electronic recycling depot.

Shingle & Drywall Recycling

Our Waste Management Facility recycles asphalt shingles and drywall.

Notify Red Deer Digital Button 150 x 150Sign up for alerts

Use your Notify Red Deer account to sign up for cart collection schedule alerts.

Questions?

Carts Frequently Asked Questions

Email: carts@reddeer.ca
Phone: 403-340-BLUE (2583)