New properties can be registered using the following link: CM Alberta Multi-family Dwelling Registry for PPP Recycling Services.

A multi-family building or building complex may qualify if it is not currently receiving residential PPP (paper, plastic, and packaging) recycling services provided by its municipality (e.g., town, city, village, or municipal district). Eligible scenarios include:

• The community is registered with ARMA for EPR.
• The building or complex already receives garbage collection.
• Recycling services are provided by a private contractor rather than the municipality OR no recycling services are currently provided.
• Recycling services are organized and paid for by a condominium board, homeowners association (HOA), or apartment building owner rather than through the municipality.

Eligible property types include:

• Apartment buildings
• Condominium buildings
• Condominium townhomes
• Trailer parks/mobile home complexes
• Single-family homes that are part of a Resident Association (RA) or Homeowners Association (HOA)
• Senior living/active living community buildings

As per the provincial EPR regulation, institutional and visitor accommodations are not eligible to receive services through this program. These include:

• Licensed care facilities and long-term care buildings
• Schools and student residences
• Hospitals
• Hotels/motels
• Campgrounds

The multi-family recycling services covered by Circular Materials include: 

• Contract management: Circular Materials will hire and manage third-party contractors to provide recycling collection services. This helps establish the system across the province and maintain consistent service levels. 

• Collection and bins: The collection frequency and bin types may vary depending on the needs of the property and the contractor assigned by Circular Materials. At minimum, the goal is to maintain the existing level of service. 

• Promotion and Education (P&E): Circular Materials will manage promotion and education strategies and implementation to help residents understand the program and how to recycle correctly. 

Once a property is registered with both ARMA and through Circular Material’s Multi-Family Registry, and eligibility is confirmed, a Circular Materials representative will reach out to coordinate the start date of services. The earliest available start date is generally three months after eligibility confirmation, depending on the current contractor contract expiry date or the property management company’s decision regarding termination of its existing contract. 

There is no cost to property management or residents for the recycling services provided through the multi-family recycling program for eligible residences. 

No. Circular Materials will have a direct contract with the assigned recycling contractor. There will be no separate contract between the contractor and the property management for the CM-provided recycling services. 

Circular Materials works with different contractors depending on the property’s location and service requirements. Circular Materials will consider your location and specific needs, then advise you who your collection contractor will be before service starts.

For specific properties, there will be an assigned contractor that will be responsible for providing the required number and size of bins, as well as providing the collection services. 

Collection frequency will depend on the property’s requirements, including the number and size of bins and the volume of material generated. The appropriate frequency will be discussed with the property management and the assigned contractor once the property has been assigned for service. 

Unfortunately, Circular Materials cannot take over a property management company’s existing recycling contract because we have contracts with contracted service providers. Property management can choose to either: 

• Continue its existing contract; or 

• Terminate its existing contract, subject to the terms and conditions of that agreement, and transition to Circular Materials provided services. 

• This decision is entirely up to the property management. 

There is currently no rebate program for multi-family properties that cannot transition recycling service to Circular Materials on October 1, 2026. Property management can decide whether to continue its existing recycling contract or terminate it in accordance with the terms of that existing contract. 

The appropriate recycling container type and size will depend on the available space, property requirements, and the contractor’s assessment. The available recycling cart options include: 

• 240 litre or 360 litre recycling carts 

• Front-load bins: 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-yard bins 

Yes. Properties with Molok systems (in ground bins partially installed below the surface) are eligible for the program. Circular Materials has a contractor specifically equipped to service Molok systems because specialized equipment is required for collection. 

It depends on how the recycling services are currently being provided. If the City provides the recycling services under the EPR program, at no cost to the property, the property would not need to register as it is already receiving free of charge services. However, if the City is acting as a private contractor and the property is paying for recycling services, the property may be eligible to register for the program. 

Yes, our collection contractors can access bins behind a gate if the property manager provides the necessary access information and the contractor can access bins stored inside sheds or secured areas to provide collection services. 

Yes. If the property needs to increase or decrease the number of bins or change the collection frequency, property management can contact the assigned contractor and involve Circular Materials in the discussion. Following an assessment and discussion, service levels can be adjusted as appropriate. 

No. This is a provincially regulated EPR program for the recycling single use packaging and paper materials. This is not a temporary program and Circular Materials has entered into long-term contracts with recycling collection contractors and providers to deliver the program across Alberta. 

Circular Materials will provide access to free, downloadable promotional and educational materials and resources, including: 

• Elevator advertisements 

• Postcards 

• Recycling guides 

• Posters 

These materials are intended to help residents understand the program and recycle correctly. 

No, there are no penalties associated with contamination in the recycling bins. However, if ongoing contamination is identified, property management will be encouraged to notify Circular Materials to help determine whether additional promotion and education may be appropriate to address the issue. 

Yes. Property management can choose to opt-out after Circular Materials’ services have started. Information on how you can opt-out is provided when you register for service. 

Yes. A property can opt back into the program after previously opting out. If the property has already been registered, property management can contact its Circular Materials representative to communicate its decision to opt back in. 

Residents can approach their property management and provide them with information about the program and registration process. As Circular Materials’ program is not mandatory for property management to register, Circular Materials cannot send a notice to a property management company on a resident’s behalf. 

Yes, please visit our Alberta Multi-Family Dwelling Recycling Services webpage for information on the program, how to register and eligibility requirements.