Protect your Home. Protect your Park.

Zero Waste Community
As a resident of a national park, you have an added responsibility to make sure you recycle everything you can, keep the streets and trails free of litter, and respect the sensitive rivers and lakes of this special place. Help Banff become a zero waste community by reducing your personal waste footprint. Small actions like bringing your own grocery bags or coffee mug add up, and set an example to show visitors that Banff is an environmentally conscious community.

There are recycling bins everywhere in town. Big blue bins are within walking distance of your home, with smaller ones throughout downtown. Separate your recyclables—glass, paper products, mixed containers—and put them in the appropriate bin. If you don’t sort properly, the entire load is contaminated and could be sent to landfill.

Food Waste
Food waste bins are white, and you can find them throughout Banff. Here's a map of their locations. Collect your food scraps in a reusable plastic container, and toss them in the bin. Kitchen catcher bins are available for $5 at Banff Town Hall. No plastic bags or any garbage please! It clogs the compost machinery.

Refunds on Drink Containers
Save your drink containers and bring them to the Banff Bottle Depot at 152 Eagle Crescent for a refund. In Banff, it’s run by Green Bottle Depot.

Bear Proof Bins
All garbage and recycling bins in Banff are bear proof. That means they have a latch that prevents wildlife from opening them and getting into garbage. If animals get into garbage, they become food-conditioned, and can become aggressive as they search for more. This could force Parks Canada to kill the animal—the last thing anyone wants. Don’t leave anything next to garbage or recycling bins and don’t overstuff them. If they're full, call 403.762.1240 or report it online at banff.ca/action.

Banff Re-Use It Centre
Drop off or pick up books, toys, dishes, furniture and more for free at the Re-Use It Centre at 160 Hawk Avenue, inside the Town’s transfer site. It’s open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed statutory holidays. The centre does not accept large appliances, upholstered furniture, mattresses, clothing, auto parts, tires, scrap metal/wood, infant gear (car seats, cribs, high chairs), etc. Banff.ca/Reuse

Get Rid of Big Stuff
Throwing out your couch? Fridge? Mattress? If what you’re trying to get rid of isn’t on the approved list at the Re-Use It Centre, whatever you do, don’t leave it beside a garbage bin. It may not seem like it, but it will attract wildlife into town. It’s also illegal dumping, and you’ll be issued a fine. There are several free, easy, and legal ways to get rid of large items.

We'll Pick it up for Free
Visit pickup.banff.ca or call 403.762.1240 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and we’ll schedule a free pickup. Make sure you call first to get a day/time slot for the pickup. When that’s set, put your item on the curb on your pickup day and a truck will come by to collect it. We don’t pick up construction or renovation waste. Businesses and non-residents must pay for this service.

Bring it to the Transfer Site
The Transfer Site is at 160 Hawk Avenue and you can drop off unwanted items, yard waste, etc. Residential drop-offs are free, but charges apply to commercial and out-of-town drop-offs. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Closed statutory holidays.

Make a Donation
Crossway Community Thrift in Canmore picks up non-upholstered furniture and housewares in Banff. Call 403.678.9801 to schedule a pickup. Or drop off your items to Rundle United Thrift Store at 104 Banff Avenue.

Environmental Rebates
We encourage homeowners and businesses to install energy efficient appliances—they’ll save you money in the long run and are better for the environment. If appliances meet a certain criteria, you could be eligible for a rebate from the Town of Banff. Check banff.ca/rebate. 

That Doesn’t Go Down the Drain
Cooking oil, fat and grease clog the town’s pipes. Grease will build up and block your entire pipe, leaving you with a drainage issue. This could leave you without water and with a costly sewer fix. Hot water and soap isn’t going to solve the problem. Wipe down dishes and utensils with a paper towel before washing. Pour fats, oils and grease in a tin can or milk carton and then stick it in the freezer. After it’s frozen, toss it in the trash. Fat, Oil and Grease Disposal