News & Updates
Important Update: Revised Request for Pilot Project Expressions of Interest
An important update regarding the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) for bottle depots interested in participating in BCMB’s pilot projects.
Update: Crystal and Ceramic Container Consultation
BCMB’s Path Forward Based on Stakeholder Feedback
BCMB Phasing Out Crystal and Ceramic Beverage Containers?
We Would Like to Hear Your Thoughts
Alternative Collection Pilot Projects
BCMB Seeking Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI)
The Unexpected Truths of Urban Beverage Recycling in Alberta
Behaviors, Barriers, and Better Solutions
Your Guide to Redeeming Beverage Deposits in Alberta
Clearing Up Confusion on Beverage Container Deposits & Returns
BCMB Annual Report 2024
Alberta’s Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) announces the release of its 2024 Annual Report.
UPDATE: Request for Application (RFA): Elk Point, Alberta
BCMB Issues Conditional Permit.
New President & CEO Appointed
BCMB announces the appointment of Mark Emsden as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 7, 2025.
Request for Application (RFA): Elk Point, Alberta
As of March 3, 2025, the BCMB has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) to open a Beverage Container Depot in Elk Point, Alberta.
Notice of Depot Closure – Elk Point Universal Bottle Depot
Effective January 24, 2025, Elk Point Universal Bottle Depot has ceased operations.
A Message from the Board Chair: BCMB Leadership Transition
Current President Blaire Gaalaas will be stepping down from her role in December 2024 and the BCMB welcomes Interim President, Andrew Stephens.
Leadership Transition within BCMB
The BCMB is announcing a transition of leadership within the organization.
BCMB Position Statement on EPR
The BCMB Board of Directors has developed a position statement on EPR.
BCMB Announces Hearing on Common Collection System By-law Amendments
The BCMB has announced a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Common Collection System By-law.
BCMB Hearing Procedures Updated for 2024
The BCMB has updated its hearing procedures effective January 2024 to incorporate stakeholder feedback.
2023 Program Excellence Awards
The BCMB was pleased to join its industry partners in recognizing excellence in beverage container recycling.
Notice of Hearing: Depot Permit Review
The BCMB has issued a Notice of Hearing regarding the review of a depot permit following compliance concerns.
Hearing Decision: Compliance Review of Alberta Depot Operations
The BCMB has released its decision following a hearing into the compliance of a depot operator in Alberta.
Increase to Handling Commissions
The BCMB Board has approved an increase to handling commissions, effective May 1, 2023.
2022 Program Excellence Awards
The Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) recently joined its beverage container recycling industry partners in recognizing excellence in the industry.
Industry Supports New EPR Regulations
Alberta’s beverage container recycling industry has released a statement on Alberta’s new EPR framework.
EPR Legislation Introduced
The Government of Alberta has introduced legislation to enable Extended Producer Responsibility in Alberta.
BCMB Recognizes Environment Week
Environment Week is being celebrated across Canada and recognizes Canada’s environmental accomplishments.
BCMB Grateful for Industry Efforts
The BCMB is grateful for the efforts made by the Industry throughout 2020. Click below to read the full Thank You message.
2021-2023 BCMB Business Plan
The BCMB has released the 2021-2023 Business Plan. Click below for more details.
BCMB Supports Government of Alberta Goal for Circular Plastics Economy
The BCMB is pleased to see the Government of Alberta’s recently released Natural Gas Vision and Strategy includes a focus on a circular economy for plastics.
Alberta Depot Network Welcomes Three New Depots
Three new depots have recently joined the Alberta Depot Network.
BCMB Appoints New President
The BCMB is excited to announce the appointment of Blaire Charlton-Gaalaas as President.
What Happens to Plastic Bottles that you Recycle?
CBC published a news article that discusses what happens to plastic drink bottles that are recycled by the consumer. ABCRC has posted a response to the article on their website.
Increased Container Deposit Values in BC
The BCMB applauds the decision to increase container deposit values in British Columbia.
Solving the Plastic Waste Problem: An article featuring ABCRC & BCMB
The St. Albert Gazette published an article on recycling in Alberta and BC which features interviews with ABCRC and BCMB representatives.
Federal Ban on Single-Use Plastics
The Federal Government of Canada recently announced a ban on single-use plastics!
BCMB Encouraged by New EU Rules Targeting Single-Use Plastics
The BCMB is committed to the reduction of plastic products in the environment.
Handling Commission Increase as of October 1, 2018
Handling Commissions are increasing as of October 1, 2018.
New Web Site for BCMB
A new look and simple access to even more information for depots and beverage manufacturers are the focus of the Beverage Container Management Board’s new web site.
2018-2020 Business Plan Released
2018-2020 Business Plan Outlines BCMB Direction for Next Three Years
Celebrating Environment Week 2017
Albertans are some of the best recyclers in the world and that is something to celebrate not only during Environment Week 2017 but all year long!
Handling Commission Review a Success
New handling commissions went into effect April 1, 2017 after a successful 2016-2017 Handling Commission Review. Beverage manufacturers pay handling commissions to depots for collecting, sorting and shipping containers.
Andrew Depot Permit Cancelled
The operating permit held by Alberta Reclaim and Recycling Company Inc. for the Andrew Bottle Depot was cancelled effective February 16, 2017.
In Loving Memory of Trevor Nickel
The BCMB was shocked and saddened by the unexpected passing of Board member Trevor Nickel in January 2017.
Who Pays What 2016 – Report on Beverage Container Recycling and Reuse in Canada
CM Consulting recently released its biannual report on the beverage container recycling industry in Canada – Who Pays What 2016. The Beverage Container Management Board is one of the report sponsors and the detailed examination of the industry is a valuable reference tool for our