Waste management

All users of Waterton Lakes National Park must dispose of waste in accordance with National Parks Garbage Regulations. The regulations include details on proper securing, transporting, and disposal of waste.

Waste and recycling

Three types of waste containers are available around the park and Waterton townsite. 

• Brown (dumpsters and baggers): For garbage. All garbage deposited in brown dumpsters must be bagged.
• Green (dumpsters): For clean, flattened cardboard products.
• Blue (baggers): For refundable drink containers.

For residents: Additional waste disposal options

Yard waste pickup week

In springtime, bins are provided for community members to dispose of yard waste. Dates and locations are communicated through Community Bulletins in advance.

Access to the burn pit at the Parks Canada Compound is no longer available. 

Recycling

Located behind the Bear Mountain Motel in the Waterton townsite, the recycling trailer has several drop boxes for various goods. Plastics, paper products (including carboard), and aluminum can be recycled here. Glass is not accepted.

Special waste types

Leaseholders are responsible for the removal of the following items:

• Non-combustible natural materials: Sand, gravel, brick, concrete, sod or grass products in large quantities, stone, soil, etc.
• Construction waste: Wire, drywall, asphalt shingles, wooden shingles, nails, metal products, etc.
• Large furnishings (in non-usable condition): Dishwashers, stoves, fridges, washers/dryers, freezers, couches, chairs, mattresses, dressers, etc.
• Commercial furnishings: Mattresses, dressers, couches, freezers, washers/dryers, dishwashers, tables, chairs etc.
• Automotive, batteries and fuel: Batteries of any size, propane tanks, engine oil, tires.
• Combustible/burnable materials: Tree branches, leaves, untreated lumber, wooden pallets, wooden furniture, bagged weeds, grass, brush, etc.
• Hazardous household waste: Paint, solvents, cleaning products, flammable liquids, pesticides, fertilizers, other toxic or corrosive products.

For all inquiries related to waste management, phone 403-632-6256