At Fish Creek Bottle Depot, we have refreshed our online bottle-return guidance to make recycling information easier to understand for households, schools, teams, non-profit organizations and businesses across southeast and southwest Calgary.
Our updated information brings together the practical details people usually need before a visit: which beverage containers may qualify for a refund, how the return process works, what refund amounts generally apply, and how larger community or commercial collections can be organized.
Bottle returns should be straightforward whether someone is bringing one household bag or coordinating a larger community collection. When information is spread across old listings, social posts and word-of-mouth advice, it becomes harder to know what to prepare or which service option to use.
We have organized the key information on our website so customers can review it before loading containers into a vehicle. This helps reduce uncertainty at the depot and gives organizers a clearer way to plan storage, volunteers and transportation for higher-volume returns.
Our bottle returns and rates guide explains common container categories accepted through Alberta’s beverage-container system. Eligible returns may include aluminum cans, plastic beverage bottles, glass beverage containers, cartons, milk containers and other approved formats.
Containers should be empty and recognizable. Labels, caps and tabs can help our team identify the container type. Customers should keep refundable beverage containers separate from garbage and unrelated household recycling so the return can be processed more smoothly.
Refund amounts are generally based on container size. Eligible containers of one litre or less typically receive a 10-cent refund, while eligible containers over one litre typically receive a 25-cent refund. Current program rules determine whether a container qualifies, so customers planning a large return should check the latest information before estimating the final amount.
Container Category | Typical Refund | Examples |
1 litre or less | 10 cents | Most cans, small bottles and small cartons |
Over 1 litre | 25 cents | Larger beverage bottles, jugs and cartons |
Unclear items | Ask our team | Uncommon packaging or containers with limited identification |
A few simple steps can make a routine return easier. Empty the containers, keep them in manageable bags or boxes and separate glass when practical. If time allows, grouping containers by material or size can also help customers understand what they are bringing and may support a faster visit.
We recently outlined these service updates in our Calgary bottle-return guidance announcement for households and community groups. The announcement explains how our refreshed online information covers refundable containers, return options, bottle drives, commercial pickup and planning considerations for larger collections.
A community bottle drive can raise funds while encouraging responsible recycling. We support schools, sports teams, non-profit organizations, community associations, churches and other groups that collect refundable beverage containers.
Organizers should consider the expected volume, temporary storage space, collection bags or boxes, volunteer availability and transportation before announcing a drive. Clear instructions also help supporters understand which containers to donate and where to deliver them.
Businesses and organizations that regularly collect beverage containers may benefit from our commercial bottle pickup service. Pickup can help offices, restaurants, schools, recreation facilities and other qualifying locations manage recurring volumes without allowing containers to create clutter.
Pickup requirements and schedules depend on the organization, location and collection volume. We encourage commercial customers to contact us directly rather than assuming every return will follow the same arrangement.
Refundable beverage containers and ordinary blue-bin materials move through different systems. Our bottle recycling information helps customers understand that a refundable container should be returned through the beverage-container deposit system rather than mixed with unrelated household waste.
This distinction is particularly important for community groups. Accurate collection instructions can save volunteers time, prevent non-refundable items from entering a bottle drive and make the final depot visit easier to organize.
We are located at 15216 Shaw Road SE and serve households and organizations across southeast and southwest Calgary. Nearby communities include Midnapore, Shawnessy, Millrise, Somerset, Sundance, Bridlewood, Evergreen, Chaparral and surrounding areas.
Fish Creek Bottle Depot has operated in Calgary since 1992. We continue updating our online information so customers can confirm return basics, service options, location details and current operating information before visiting.
Whether you are preparing a household return, organizing a fundraiser or managing containers for a business, we are here to help make the process clear. Review our return information before your visit, or contact Fish Creek Bottle Depot if you have questions about container eligibility, bottle drives or pickup arrangements.
We accept many eligible Alberta beverage containers, including cans, plastic bottles, glass containers, cartons, milk containers and other approved formats.
Eligible containers of one litre or less typically receive 10 cents, while eligible containers over one litre typically receive 25 cents. Current program rules apply.
Pre-sorting is not always required, but separating containers by type or size can make a larger return easier to process.
Yes. We provide bottle-drive information and support for schools, teams, non-profits and community organizations. Qualifying organizations can also contact us to discuss commercial pickup options.
