Don't let your plastic beverage containers drift away from their recycling journey!
In the world of plastics, not all refundable plastic beverage containers are created equal. Two of the most common plastic container types are PET and HDPE beverage containers – each with a unique recycling journey in Alberta.
PET
(Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Clear Plastic Containers
APPEARANCE
Clear and glass-like
COMMON CONTAINERS
Water bottles
Clear PET containers are sent to Merlin Plastics (in Calgary), where they’re processed into pellets or flakes that can then be manufactured back into new clear PET bottles.
HDPE
(High-Density Polyethylene)
Natural Containers
APPEARANCE
Opaque and more flexible
COMMON CONTAINERS
Milk Jugs
HDPE natural containers are sent to Merlin Plastics (in BC), where they’re processed into pellets that can then be manufactured back into new HDPE beverage containers.
Federal Plastics Target
The Government of Canada has set ambitious targets to reduce single-use plastics and increase recycling rates. By 2026-2027, certain types of plastic packaging will be required to contain a minimum percentage of recycled materials.
Where are we now?
In 2023, Alberta’s overall return rate of plastic beverage containers was 81%. However, specific to PET and HDPE beverage containers, the return rates are 76% for clear PET beverage containers and 38% of HDPE natural containers.
Our Future Goals
While refundable beverage containers are not currently impacted by the federal government’s plastics target, they have set a voluntary target recovery rate of 90% for plastic beverage containers. Beverage manufacturers remain dedicated to increasing the return rates of PET and HDPE beverage containers to support and contribute to Canada’s goals for plastic waste reduction.
Interested in Learning More?
If you want to dive deeper into Canada’s ambitious plastic targets and initiatives, check out the following resources:
What Can You Do?
Every Albertan has a crucial role to play. Here’s how you can help:
KNOW YOUR PLASTIC
BEVERAGE CONTAINERS
Familiarize yourself with PET (Symbol 1) and HDPE Natural (Symbol 2) containers.
RETURN EVERY
CONTAINER
Make it a habit to return all your beverage containers, especially PET and HDPE, to your local bottle depot.
KEEP IT
CLEAN
Before returning, give your beverage containers a quick rinse and keep caps on.
SPREAD THE
WORD
Share your knowledge about beverage container recycling with friends and family. The more people participate, the closer we get to the federal target.