A cartoon girl riding a bicycle with blue wheels, a basket of bottles on the front, and black and white clothing, set against a black background.
Text that reads 'ALBERTAROUS' in large, dark blue letters on a dark background.
A woman at a ping pong table receiving a tray of bottles from a man.
Illustration of a hockey goalie wearing a helmet, gloves, and pads, holding a hockey stick, and standing in a pose ready to defend the goal.
Text reading 'ON EMPTY' in large purple and blue letters.

How it works

When you buy a drink in Alberta, you pay a small deposit — 10¢ or 25¢ — that you get back when you return the empty container. That’s the simple part.

Here’s the bigger picture: every time you visit your local Depot, you’re putting your empties to work. You’re supporting a local business. You’re keeping bottles out of landfills. And you’re helping raise millions for community causes.

It’s more than recycling. It’s an easy way to make a big impact.

Three ways your empties go further in Alberta

A person holding a blue reusable shopping bag with printed text and graphics, in a kitchen setting.

Economy

Every day, Alberta Depots put more than $600,000 back into Albertans’ pockets. They also keep nearly 1,200 people employed in communities across the province.

A mountain landscape at dusk with rocky cliffs, forested slopes, and a cloudy sky.

Environment

With an 85% return rate, Alberta leads Canada in beverage container recycling.

Ice hockey team standing in line on the ice rink, wearing helmets and uniforms with a mascot logo.

Community

From sports teams to charities, Albertans donate over $30 million every year through their local Depots. That’s impact you can see at the rink, the park and in every corner of your community.

A smiling employee wearing a Depot vest and cap helps a customer at a checkout counter in a warehouse store. The store has shelves with boxes, beverages, and other items in the background.

Why it matters

Your Depot isn’t just a place to drop off empties — it’s a neighbour, an employer and a community builder. With more than 200 locally owned locations across 160+ communities, 92% of Albertans have one in their home community.

160+

200

Communities

Locations