Windshield Washer Fluid Containers: Alberta's Environmental Fee Not Refundable

The Alberta government has clarified that environmental fees on windshield washer fluid containers are not refundable. The fees, which range from 12 cents to 14 cents per liter of container capacity, fund the collection and recycling of end-of-life materials. Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) says these containers should be taken to participating used oil collection sites, not beverage bottle depots or blue-bin recycling.

The clarification comes after a review of windshield washer fluid container rates. The province reduced the rate from $2.20 per liter in 2025 to 60 cents per liter this year. However, some consumers may have continued to pay the higher fee if pricing wasn't updated immediately.

ARMA directs residents to its depot finder to locate participating sites that accept containers. The containers should be empty but don't need to be rinsed, and caps can remain on as they are also recyclable.