Green Cart Collection to Resume Winter Schedule

Beginning the first week of November (November 4 – 8), Waste & Recycling Services will resume the winter green cart collection schedule by transitioning from weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule. This change is seasonal, and regular weekly collections will recommence in April. 

Why does the switch over begin in early November?

We know Calgary weather can be a bit unpredictable. In order to keep the Green Cart program costs reasonable, we set the schedule based on when we generally see green cart volumes decline and when snowier conditions tend to hit Calgary – that’s how this year’s schedule was determined. This schedule is set months in advance to ensure resources, trucks, drivers etc. are in place and we are not able to change it for the current weather conditions.

Why isn't the green cart fee reduced during every-other-week pickup in the fall and winter?

Seasonal cost savings from the change to every other week green cart collection included in your monthly green cart fee. The monthly green cart fee is averaged out over the year so that you pay the same fee each month rather than seeing a changing rate throughout the year.

Many homes still have leaves on their trees and will have additional yard waste. Shouldn’t the City extend weekly green cart collection a little later in the year?

We try our best to set the programs up to balance the needs for all Calgarians. We recognize that everyone has slightly different needs while others may not have the same issue. City Council sets the annual cart fees which impacts how the every-other-week schedule is set up. There would be an increased cost that would affect everyone if we did extend weekly green cart service into November.

What can I do with extra yard waste?

• If your green cart is full, you can put extra yard waste in paper yard waste bags for pickup;
• If you consistently have extra yard waste, you can request an "Additional Green Cart" for a fee;
• If you have extra yard waste, you can also bring it to a City Eco Centre for composting; and
• Take advantage of the Free Spring Yard Waste Program (6 weeks in the Spring), or the Free Fall Yard Waste Program (6 weeks in the Fall Friday, Sept 20 – Saturday, Nov 2, 2024).

Find your pickup schedule and learn more here.