After narrowly losing to Prince Edward Island in 2022, Alberta regained the highest beverage container return rate in Canada in 2024, with an impressive 85% return rate for over two billion containers. The national average was 76%. Saskatchewan followed at 84%, British Columbia at 83%, Ontario at 75%, and Quebec at 68%.
Alberta also climbed North American rankings, moving from ninth in 2016 to second in 2022 and 2024, behind Oregon. Unlike Oregon, which only returns plastic, metal, and glass containers, Alberta recycles a wider range, including aseptic cartons, bag-in-a-box containers, gable tops, and pouches.
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, praised Albertans for their recycling efforts, encouraging them to continue recycling to benefit both their pockets and the environment.
Information provided by Government of Alberta