October 05, 2010 09:21 AM Category: City Services, Garbage Collection

Black carts have started rolling to homes in southeast Calgary. The carts, which are similar to the blue recycling carts, will be used for regular household garbage instead of bags and cans.  There is no additional cost for Black Cart Garbage service.

Cart deliveries will continue in the southeast quadrant over the next four weeks, followed by the northeast in November. Northwest and southwest neighbourhoods will receive carts between April and June, 2011. Residents can refer to the delivery schedule at calgary.ca/blackcart.

“Black Cart Garbage Collection will mean big improvements to trash pickup in Calgary,” says Program Leader Paula Magdich. “Black carts are easy to use, safer for residents and collectors, and lead to cleaner lanes and streets.”

Delivery process
About 20,000 carts will be delivered each week. Residents can expect their cart to arrive at the front of their home between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. They do not need to be home to receive their cart.

What to do when the black cart arrives
Residents should start using their black cart right away. The black carts should be set out on the next regular collection day at the same time and in the same location as usual. Garbage that does not fit in the cart can be put in bags or cans and placed beside the cart. Residents should leave at least one foot between extra bags and the cart.

Residents are encouraged to read the instructional material that will accompany the carts to learn how to use the cart and how to properly place it.

Reusing and recycling old garbage cans
The City is encouraging residents to reuse or recycle old cans.  As a last option old cans will be collected as garbage if they are clearly marked for disposal.  Information on all three options will be included with the cart, and is also available at calgary.ca/blackcart or by calling 3-1-1.

A backgrounder on receiving your black cart is available in The City of Calgary newsroom.