Important Information for Albertans

Alberta is the first jurisdiction in North America to include milk and cream containers in a regulated deposit/refund system.

As of June 1, 2009, all milk and cream containers have a refundable deposit on them (see rates below) when purchased at a retail outlet. That deposit will be refunded when you return your empty and rinsed containers to any Alberta bottle depot.

Ready-to-serve beverage containers in excess of 30 ml containing fluid milk, cream, whipping creams, buttermilk, drinkable yogurt, and meal replacement drinks are included in the deposit for milk.

It’s also important to know that a Container Recycling Fee (CRF) is charged on milk and cream containers.  These non-refundable fees are similar to those charged on other beverage containers like juice.

The Beverage Container Management Board is a non-profit, industry-led board that regulates the beverage container recycling system in Alberta. Thanks for helping us keep waste out of Alberta landfills!