The Town of Cochrane began its new automated waste and recycling program with the delivery of its first carts to a local family, Aug. 15.
The Preece family, who submitted the winning entry in the Be The First photo contest, received its set of new carts, officially kicking off the program.
“I’m so excited,” said Jennifer Preece, adding that the new program will put an end to the bi-weekly trips to the recycling depot. “I can’t wait.”
Residents currently on the waste-collection schedule can expect to receive their carts over the last two weeks in August.
The curbside recycling program, which will pick up recyclable plastic, tin, paper and cardboard, officially launches Sept. 1.
“As Mayor of Cochrane, I’m excited to introduce this new automated waste and recycling program to our community,” said Mayor Truper McBride. “This is a big step towards reducing Cochrane’s overall waste and becoming the sustainable community we desire to be. The new automated program provides a safer, cleaner and more efficient way to dispose of household waste and recycling.”
Residents can start using their waste carts, which can hold about nine small bags or two large bags – roughly equivalent to the two-unit limit already in place, on their next collection day.
The recycling carts hold four standard-sized garbage bags of recyclables. Materials do not need to be sorted, but glass and Styrofoam will not be allowed and will still have to be taken to the recycling depot. Cochrane is the first municipality in the area, outside of Calgary, to launch the automated program.
Residents will pay an additional $6.30 on their utility bill for the service, for a waste and recycling total of $17.40 per month. For more information, contact the Town’s waste and recycling hotline at 403-851-2277 or visit www.cochrane.ca/automatedwaste
