Need to return bottles and cans in Drumheller? The Drumheller Bottle Depot on 7th Avenue Southeast is run by DARTS (Drumheller And Region Transition Society). It’s the main spot in town for getting your deposit money back, and the newer building makes the whole process a lot smoother than the old place used to be.
If you’re visiting the area, the things to do in Drumheller list is a good starting point for planning the rest of the day once the empties are dropped off. Here’s everything most people actually need to know before they load up the vehicle.
Drumheller Bottle Depot Hours & Address
Address: 122 – 7 Avenue SE, Drumheller, AB (mailing address: Box 1447, T0J 0Y0)
Phone: 403-823-4612
Pickup line: 403-823-2226
Email: bottledepot@dartsdrumheller.ca
Parking is limited but there are a few dedicated stalls right at the building, plus street parking nearby. The customer entrance is at the front.
Current hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Lunch break: Closed 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm every day they’re open
- Statutory holidays: Closed
The lunch closure catches a lot of people. If you’re coming from out of town or planning a bigger load, it’s worth timing your trip around that half-hour. For the full list of days the depot (and most other Alberta services) will be shut, check the Alberta stat holidays 2026 calendar.
How the Drumheller Bottle Depot Works
The current building is the result of a long community project. The old facility had basically reached the end of its life, so DARTS spent years fundraising and planning a replacement. The new space has air conditioning, washrooms, wash stations, an express lane, and a proper large-load area.
Express lane: Two-bag limit. Handy when you only have a small amount and don’t want to wait behind bigger loads.
Big loads: Call ahead at 403-823-4612 or email bottledepot@dartsdrumheller.ca so they know you’re coming.
Pickup service: Available for homes and businesses on a weekly, monthly, or one-time basis. There’s a 10% fee. If you’re more than 20 km out, there’s a $25 minimum. Call 403-823-2226 to set it up.
BAC to BAC — Drop Bottles for Local Charities
If you’d rather skip the line or just want the money to stay in the community, use the BAC to BAC bins (Bottles and Cans, Benefiting Area Charities). They’re inside the depot and at various spots around Drumheller.
Everything collected goes to local charities: the Salvation Army, the Morgan Jayne Children’s Foundation, DARTS, and the Drumheller and District Humane Society. The program has raised thousands of dollars for these groups.
You don’t have to wait for a count. Just drop the containers in a bin and you’re done.
What You Can Return for a Refund
Alberta’s deposit system is simple. You get the full amount back that you paid at the store:
- 10 cents for containers 1 litre or smaller (most cans, water bottles, regular pop bottles)
- 25 cents for containers over 1 litre (big juice jugs, 2-litre bottles, large water jugs)
Only ready-to-serve beverage containers bought in Alberta qualify. That covers aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, cartons, drink pouches, and similar items. Concentrates, non-beverage containers, and anything purchased outside Alberta won’t get a refund.
Not sure about something specific? Staff at the depot can usually tell you on the spot. For other local practical resources around the province, the Wetaskiwin landfill guide covers a similar type of everyday service farther west.
Tips for a Quicker Visit
- Make sure everything is empty. Leftover liquid just slows things down.
- Sorting ahead of time (cans, plastic, glass) helps, though staff will do it if you don’t.
- Use the express lane if you only have a bag or two.
- Avoid the 12:30–1:00 pm lunch closure.
- Call ahead if you’re bringing a large load or need a pickup.
Nearby Bottle Depots
If the Drumheller depot is closed or you’re coming from somewhere else in the area, smaller depots exist in places like Trochu, Hanna, Three Hills, Big Valley, and Carbon. Hours at those spots are often more limited, so it’s worth confirming before you drive. If you’re headed toward Trochu anyway, here’s a quick look at where Trochu is in Alberta.
FAQs
Is the Drumheller Bottle Depot open on Monday?
No. It’s closed every Sunday and Monday, plus statutory holidays.
Do they close for lunch?
Yes. The depot shuts from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm on every day it’s open.
How much do you get back?
10 cents on containers 1 litre or smaller and 25 cents on anything larger than 1 litre. You get the full deposit back.
Can I donate the refund instead of taking cash?
Yes. Drop your containers in any BAC to BAC bin and the money goes to local charities.
Is there a pickup service?
Yes. Call 403-823-2226 to arrange it. A 10% fee applies.
