ABCRC operates under not-for-profit provisions as the agent for beverage manufacturers in Alberta. Our mandate is to be the agent for the beverage manufacturers to operate a common collection system for registered containers; be responsible for recycling non-refillable beverage containers; comply with the Regulation and Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) bylaws; and promote the economic and efficient collection of non-refillable beverage containers. Our Board of Directors consists of representatives of beverage manufacturers.

In 1972, non-refillable beverage container stewardship began under the Litter Act (Alberta). In the early 1970's the disposal of single-serve beverage containers had led to a litter problem. The Beverage Container Recycling regulation was created at that time in Alberta, requiring manufacturers to be responsible for their empty containers. In 1993, the government consolidated a number of pieces of legislation into the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, which led to the evolution of the Regulation, as it is current in force today. The revised Regulation requires manufacturers using regulated non-refillable beverage containers to appoint a common collection system agent to operate the collection system, which in-turn led to the creation of ABCRC. Since the appointment of ABCRC as the collection system agent, the focus on protecting Alberta's environment has increased. In addition to helping municipalities and the provincial government meet their waste diversion goals.