Clearing Up Confusion on Beverage Container Deposits & Returns
Have you ever stared at a drink container in your fridge, wondering if you can get your deposit back? You’re not alone!
From your favourite Alberta craft beer to the latest energy drink flavour, the last decade has brought Albertans a ton of new beverage choices. This explosion of options has made it tricky to figure out what is returnable at bottle depots and what isn’t.
As Alberta’s beverage container recycling system regulator, BCMB streamlines the beverage container recycling process, helps reduce confusion, and ensures more eligible containers find their way back to end processors who can create new products like new beverage containers, clothing, car parts, and even astro turf. In essence, BCMB’s role helps reduce waste and keeps Alberta’s environment clean for generations to come.
We want to set the record straight by providing clear answers to help Albertans understand what beverage containers are refundable. So, what deposits do you pay and what is refundable at Alberta’s bottle depots?
You can receive refunds at bottle depots on the following items:
You can also redeem your containers for your deposit at Alberta’s bottle depots on the following items:
Alcoholic/Non-Alcoholic Drink Mixes
As of July 1, 2025, if you enjoy ready-to-drink, non-alcoholic, non-concentrate beverage mixes (like a non-alcoholic piña colada), their containers are now part of Alberta’s deposit return system (DRS). And if your drink mix contains alcohol and needs dilution before drinking (e.g., a concentrated alcoholic cocktail mixer like a margarita), its container can still be returned for a deposit.
If your drink mix is non-alcoholic AND requires dilution (e.g., powdered drink mixes, concentrated syrups), these are not ready-to-serve beverages and are exempt from Alberta’s deposit return system.
Dairy Alternatives
Containers for classic liquid dairy products like milk (all types), buttermilk, cream (half-and-half, light cream, heavy cream, coffee cream, liquid whipping cream), eggnog, kefir, and drinkable yogurts, as well as dairy alternatives like oat creamer and almond milk, are all treated the same and are part of Alberta’s deposit return system.
But, not everything in a container is a "ready-to-serve drink" according to regulation, so some items aren’t eligible for a deposit refund.
So, what’s not included (not deposit-bearing)?
Flavor Additives and Enhancers
Items like coffee syrups, liquid water flavor drops, and other concentrated flavor enhancers are not deposit-bearing. These items should still be recycled through your municipal recycling programs if accepted, but they are not eligible for a deposit refund at the depot.
Infant Formula (0-12 months of age)
To avoid adding extra costs to something essential for families, infant formula containers specifically for babies aged 0-12 months are still exempt from the deposit system.
Food Products & Additives
Items that may seem returnable but are not include: soup cartons (like that tetra pack of tomato soup), coconut milk specifically intended for cooking, powdered coffee creamer, and fruit squeeze packs (puree). These are generally considered food items or additives, not beverages, and are not eligible for a deposit refund. While you won’t get a deposit back on these, remember to check if they can be recycled through your municipal recycling programs.
BCMB cares about making recycling clearer and easier for all Albertans. With so many new drink options out there, it can be confusing to know what you’re paying a deposit on and what’s refundable at Alberta’s bottle depots. If you have any further questions or require clarification, please contact info@bcmb.ab.ca.