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Minister Rebecca Schulz and beverage recycling leaders celebrate the top recycling system in Canada. (Supplied/Government of Alberta)
2024 RANKINGS

Alberta ranks number one in beverage container recycling

Apr 3, 2025 | 1:50 PM

Alberta has risen through the ranks to be Canada’s number one recycler, with residents returning more than two billion cans, bottles and other containers in 2024.

This represents about 85 per cent of all non-refillable beverage containers, the highest return rate in the country, the provincial government reported on Thursday.

“Alberta’s leadership in beverage container recycling is a testament to the strength of our industry-led system. As the operator of the system, Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) works closely with manufacturers, depots, and partners across the province to ensure beverage containers are collected, processed and reintegrated into the circular economy,” said Ken White, board chair for the ABCRC.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of Albertans to recycling and the ongoing innovation that drives our system forward.”

The national average was 76 per cent. Runners-up included Saskatchewan at 84 per cent, B.C. at 83 per cent and Ontario at 75 per cent.

The province has also risen in North American rankings, going from ninth in 2016, to second place in 2022 and now 2024. Oregon took the top spot, but officials say the state only returns plastic, metal and glass, whereas Alberta returns a range including those materials, plus boxed beverages, gable tops and pouches.