Waste management

Waterton Lakes National Park

This page contains information on proper waste disposal and recycling in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Waste and recycling: for visitors and residents

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

Three types of waste containers are available around the park and Waterton townsite for disposal. These include two sizes: dumpsters (larger containers) and baggers (smaller containers designed for visitor use). Of these, there are three types:

  • 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
Small container designed for visitor use.
Baggers - small containers designed for visitor use
Dumpsters. Green for clean flattened cardboard products. Brown for garbage.
Cardboard (green) and garbage (brown) dumpsters

Additional waste disposal options: For residents

Hazardous waste day

Parks Canada will host at least one household hazardous waste day each year to assist with disposing of hazardous items. The first will be on the Saturday of the Victoria Day (May) long weekend, and, if operational requirements permit, the second will take place on the Saturday of the Labour Day (September) long weekend.

Yard waste pickup week

Parks Canada will pick up yard waste at curbside on the week following the Victoria Day (May) long weekend. Waste must be windproof, bagged and tied and only contain yard waste.

Burn pit

Leaseholders can gain access by making an appointment on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 403-859-5102. See "Special waste types and disposal locations" below for information on what can be placed in the burn pit.

Recycling

The recycling trailer has several dropboxes for various recyclable goods. It is located within the Waterton townsite, behind the Bear Mountain Motel. Clean plastics, clean paper products, aluminum foil and cans can be recycled here. Note that this trailer does not accept glass.

Special waste types and disposal locations 

Burn pit: No chemicals of any kind are to be placed in the burn pit Combustible/burnable materials
  • Tree branches, leaves, untreated lumber, wooden pallets, wooden furniture, bagged weeds, grass, brush, etc.
Hazardous Waste Day: Saturday of Victoria Day weekend (May)

Hazardous household waste

  • Paint, solvents, cleaning products, flammable liquids, pesticides, fertilizers, other toxic or corrosive products.
  • Materials to be disposed at other times should be removed from the park
Contact Parks Canada: Disposal options may be available for the following items

Automotive, batteries and fuel

  • Batteries of any size, propane tanks, engine oil, tires.
  • Call the Garage Supervisor at 403-859-2721, weekdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Remove from Park: Leaseholders are responsible for their own removal

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.

For all other inquiries related to waste management, call the park office at 403-859-5102.

Related links

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