Policies and regulations

Alberta oil sands

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

  • Carbon Capture and Storage: In July, 2008 the Alberta Government announced a $2 billion kick-start to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through new Carbon Capture and Storage projects. The funding will ensure that Alberta's Climate Change Action Plan has the financial capability to cut projected greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. Carbon Capture and Storage is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and stores them in geological formations deep inside the earth. Once the projects are implemented, the expected result is five million tonnes in annual reductions by 2015, comparable to taking one million vehicles in Alberta off the road.

  • Soil, Water, Air (Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development): Provides information on Government programs and services as well as various online tools. 

Climate change/energy efficiency solutions

  • Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions is a dynamic catalyst for developing innovative, integrated ways to convert our natural resources into market-ready, ecologically responsible energy. 

  • Alberta's 2008 Climate Change Strategy: Outlines how the province will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by conserving and using energy efficiently, implementing carbon capture and storage, and greening energy production.

  • EcoAction Trust fund for Clean Air and Climate Change (formerly EcoTrust): In August, 2008, the Government of Alberta received $155.9 million from the federal government's EcoTrust initiative. Federal funding for Alberta under the Canada EcoTrust will be invested in leading-edge initiatives that will result in measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives will promote environmentally responsible resource development and support Alberta's Climate Change Strategy.

  • Green Building Products and Technologies: AlbertaCanada.com's section on Green Building Products and Technologies provides information related to green opportunities, green building product directories, green organization, and financing options.

  • Green Transit Incentives Program (Green TRIP): The Green Transit Initiatives Program (Green TRIP) will provide $2 billion in funding assistance and incentives to improve and expand local, regional and inter-city transit systems. The program will support new public transit alternatives throughout the province that will significantly reduce the number of vehicles on Alberta roads and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. Municipalities, regional entities, non-profit organizations and private sector groups all qualify to receive the funding.

  • Innovative Energy Technologies Programs (Alberta Energy): This program supports the Provincial Energy Strategy, which identifies the need for innovation, research and technology development.

  • Local Government Environmental Assistance Network Consultants Directory: LGEAN provides environmental management, planning, funding and regulatory information for local governments, as well as a directory of consultants.

Land-use and reclamation

  • Land-Use Framework: The Government of Alberta’s Land-use framework was designed to improve land-use decision-making in Alberta.

  • Soil, Water, Air (Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development): Provides information on Government programs and services as well as various online tools. 

Recycling and waste management

  • Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA): ARMA, known simply as Alberta Recycling, is a multi-stakeholder organization, designated by the Government of Alberta. ARMA reports to the Minister of Environment and is run by a Board of Directors representing many stakeholder groups. ARMA is responsible for managing the following three recycling programs:

    • Electronics Recycling Program: In 2004, Alberta introduced a new electronics recycling program, the first of its kind in Canada. More than 200 collection sites across the province are now accepting unwanted television sets and computers.

    • Paint Recycling Program: In 2007, Alberta introduced a new paint recycling program to reduce the detrimental impact that leftover liquid paints have on the environment. Paint and paint containers will be recycled into new paint, used in other products or in energy recovery throughout Alberta.

    • Tire Recycling Program: Since 1992, Alberta's tire recycling program has turned old tires into a growing industry that now exports recycled rubber tire products to the world. Alberta has successfully recycled more than 65 million tires since 1992.

  • Alberta's Recycling Information Line: Alberta's Recycling Information Line answers approximately 700 calls a month on a variety of recycling and waste minimization topics from municipalities, businesses and the general public. This toll-free service operates from 8:15 to 4:30, Monday to Friday. Call 1-800-463-6326.

  • Household Hazardous Waste Round-up Program: The Household Hazardous Waste Round-up program is currently coordinated through Alberta Environment's Action on Waste. Over 127 communities throughout Alberta participate in annual one-day events, with the cities of Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge hosting year-round facilities. Over 17.6 million litre equivalents of household hazardous waste materials have been safely treated and disposed of in the province since 1988.

  • Milk Container Recycling Program: The Alberta Dairy Council launched the Milk Container Recycling Program in 1999 which provides the financial and technical support to community-based recycling programs that collect used milk containers.

  • Pesticide Management Program: The Pesticide Management Program administers and enforces provincial legislation to ensure safe distribution, storage, use and disposal of pesticides. In 1997, over one million pesticide containers were collected in Alberta. There are approximately 99 permanent and 100 temporary pesticide container collection sites throughout Alberta.

  • Waste Reduction and Management: Alberta has achieved significant success in waste management over the last 30 years. The province has built strong programs and initiatives with support from Delegated Administrative Organizations, municipalities and other groups. Working with its partner organizations, Alberta Environment is pursuing a number of strategies and initiatives, all with the intent of reducing waste going to landfill and managing waste resources in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

    • Too Good To Waste: Alberta's newest waste management strategy, Too Good To Waste, identifies opportunities, outcomes and strategies to help the province move forward with innovative waste management programs. It provides a framework and long-term commitment to resource conservation and environmental protection while recognizing Alberta's accomplishments and strengths. The strategy focuses on developing projects that address high volume wastes such as construction, demolition and organic wastes, along with a paper and packaging program, both aimed at significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to municipal landfills.

Water treatment

  • Water for Life: Water for Life is a provincial water strategy that outlines ways to manage Alberta's water resources more effectively.

  • Soil, Water, Air (Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development): Provides information on Government programs and services as well as various online tools. 

Government of Canada

  • Environmental Industries (Industry Canada): This site offers information on the Canadian environment industry and highlights the efforts of the Government of Canada and its partners to promote the growth and increased competitiveness of the Canadian environment industry.

  • Natural Resources Canada (NRCan): This Government of Canada ministry seeks to enhance the responsible development and use of Canada’s natural resources and the competitiveness of Canada’s natural resources products.

Date Updated:
RDP-2051