When my partner and I first moved in together, I quickly realized how beverage containers seemed to multiply overnight. What really caught me by surprise was the deposit system here in Alberta, where non-refillable containers like aluminum cans, clear plastic bottles, and milk jugs have a deposit fee included at purchase. Returning these containers to a depot not only helps the environment but also gives you a refund that can fund small pleasures like coffee dates or dessert outings. We found it helpful to designate a specific spot in our apartment to store these empty containers. This little habit keeps our living space tidy and ensures we don’t forget to bring them when it’s time to head to the depot. Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) categorizes containers into tiers, making it easy to sort items before returning them. Tier 1 includes aluminum cans and clear plastic bottles recycled into new beverage containers. Tier 2 contains colored plastics and glass bottles recycled into new products, while Tier 3 involves drink pouches and bag-in-box wine bladders that are converted into energy. Making depot runs a regular part of our routine has been surprisingly rewarding. Not only are we receiving refunds on containers we would have disposed of anyway, but we’ve also developed a simple habit that promotes sustainability and helps manage waste effectively. Plus, it’s a nice excuse for a quick coffee break with my partner as we celebrate our small victory of responsible recycling. If you’re in Alberta and have recently set up your apartment or started living with a new partner, I highly recommend checking out abcrc.com/depotfinder/ to find your nearest depot. It’s an easy, environmentally friendly way to declutter, earn some cash back, and maybe fund a few fun outings along the way. Small habits like these make building a home together more manageable and more enjoyable.