This spring, Airdrie residents will see black carts arriving at their homes, designed to make garbage collection cleaner, safer and easier to manage.

Meet the new cart

The introduction of the 120-litre black cart is part of the City of Airdrie’s transition to automated garbage collection. The cart size aligns with Airdrie’s existing one-bag garbage limit, reinforcing established recycling and composting habits that divert waste from the landfill, while still providing sufficient volume for weekly household garbage.

“The size aligns with how residents already manage their waste,” says Steven Rice, City of Airdrie team leader of waste and recycling. “It allows for safer, more efficient collection without changing daily routines.”

While the new cart marks a shift in how waste is collected, the day-to-day experience for residents will feel largely familiar.

Residents will continue bagging garbage before placing it in the cart. Bagging helps reduce odours, keeps carts clean, and prevents loose debris from blowing onto streets, sidewalks and pathways — particularly during windy conditions.

When carts will arrive

Garbage carts are making their way into Airdrie neighbourhoods, with an official launch for automated service on April 6. However, once a cart arrives, residents are asked to begin using it right away.

The City’s service provider will collect garbage in bags on the curb or via the new cart system leading up to the April 6 official launch date. This transition period will allow residents to become familiar with the carts before full automated collection begins.

A program shaped by residents

City Council endorsed the move to automated garbage collection after extensive research and resident input. More than 2,000 residents participated in the 2024 survey, with 75 per cent indicating support for automated service.

Most respondents supported automated collection, citing reduced litter, improved safety for collection crews and better curb appeal. Many also expressed support for a smaller cart size that aligns with current limits and encourages waste diversion.

“I want residents to know how much their feedback truly mattered here,” says Mayor Heather Spearman. “This has been years in the making and driven by what our community asked for. I’m proud we’re delivering it in a way that’s practical, affordable and focused on long-term benefit.”

Learn more

Airdrie’s full waste and recycling guide includes everything residents need to know about using the new carts, including placement, spacing, what goes where and seasonal tips.

To learn more about the black cart program and what to expect this spring, visit airdrie.ca/blackcart.

Black carts at a glance:

120-litre black cart aligned with one-bag limit

Weekly garbage collection continues

Bagged garbage required inside the cart