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Circular Economy

Innovation & Entrepreneurism: Taking Alberta’s Recycling System Further

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Mark Emsden

President & CEO, Beverage Container Management Board


Alberta’s leading beverage container recycling system demonstrates the role community and entrepreneurism play in building a healthy circular economy.  

Since 1997, Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) has ensured Albertans have convenient access to reliable recycling for used beverage containers. The Government of Alberta delegated the non-profit organization to regulate the province’s deposit return system, keeping empty beverage containers from polluting the environment.

Canada’s leading system collects 18 different types of containers, including liquor bottles, bi-metal drink cans, and even drink pouches. Success is rooted in BCMB’s oversight, a robust network of independently owned bottle depots, across 160 communities and a strong culture of entrepreneurialism. Many depots have become buzzing community hubs that support local charities, sports teams, and provide a subset of Albertans with an income they may not otherwise have.

The Path to 100 per cent

BCMB’s work has supported economic diversification and a stronger circular economy, where resources are reused instead of discarded. Beverage container recycling has created primary and secondary jobs, and Albertans have benefited from a cleaner environment. The province boasts an impressive collection rate, but there is more to be collected.

As BCMB President Mark Emsden explains, “While Alberta’s population has grown, access to depots for some groups is becoming more limited and difficult. We are exploring different, modern collection options to improve the accessibility, convenience, and efficiency of our system, benefiting everyone.”

With around 15 per cent more containers to collect, BCMB is exploring solutions to reach hard-to-service areas and encouraging younger demographics to recycle. With new technologies, community participation, and Alberta’s trademark ingenuity, the goal of collecting 100 per cent of beverage containers sold seems well within reach.


To learn more about Alberta’s Beverage Container Management Board and its longstanding innovative approach to container collection, visit bcmb.ab.ca.   

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