About the ABDA

Who We Are

The Alberta Bottle Depot Association (ABDA) is the trusted advocate and steadfast supporter of Alberta’s Depot network. We represent the interests of over 200 privately-owned bottle depots and work to ensure their long-term success and sustainability within Alberta’s beverage container recycling system.

Mission & Vision

Mission: Supporting a successful and viable Depot network for Albertans.

Vision: An innovative and sustainable network of recycling depots delivering world-class environmental, social, and economic benefits to their communities.

What We Do

  • Ensure the voices of Depot operators are heard and understood

  • Provide guidance, tools and information to support day-to-day operations

  • Work closely with regulators, policymakers and industry to shape a stable and effective system

  • Promote industry-leading practices and innovation

  • Represent Depot operators in negotiations and system planning

  • Showcase the impact of Depots in communities and across the province

Whether we’re helping an operator improve their operations or advocating for system-wide improvements, our focus stays the same: supporting Depot owners, operators, and their employees to have the supports, information, and resources they need to be able to provide exceptional service to Albertans.

Why It Matters

Depots do far more than recycle bottles. They deliver real, everyday impact across Alberta by:

A woman working at a beverage bottling facility, using a computer screen to input data with plastic gloves on.

Creating Local Jobs

Nearly 1,200 Albertans earn a living through Depot work.

Two people sorting recyclable plastic bottles on a table.

Reducing Waste & Pollution

With an 85% return rate, Depots keep millions of containers out of landfills.

Line of young female ice hockey players dressed in red jerseys standing on ice rink with hockey sticks.

Supporting Grassroots Fundraising

Depots help Albertans raise over $30 million a year for local teams, clubs, charities and causes.

Dog in a red jacket biting a plastic water bottle on grass in front of a modern building with a sign that says 'DES

Keeping Communities Clean

Over 200 Depots across more than 160 communities means fewer bottles in streets, parks and shared spaces.

ABDA exists to protect and amplify those benefits—by helping Alberta’s Depots thrive today and stay strong for tomorrow.

The ABDA is the recognized voice of Depots in Alberta. We work in collaboration with our industry stakeholders as part of the beverage container recycling system. Learn more about stakeholders:

The logo of ABCRC in green and black text with a recycling symbol.

Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) - acts as the collection system agent for non-refillable containers.

https://www.abcrc.com/about-us/about-abcrc/

Logo for the Beverage Container Management Board with the letters bCmb, featuring a blue arrow in the letter G, and the text 'BEVERAGE CONTAINER MANAGEMENT BOARD' below.

Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) - responsible for regulating the beverage container recycling system.

https://www.bcmb.ab.ca/about/

Logo for Alberta Beer Container Corporation

Alberta Beer Container Corporation (ABCC) - collection service provider for refillable beer containers.