Due to escalating COVID-19 numbers, the town's second free compost event has been cancelled.

Scheduled to be held Saturday, May 15, Waste and Recycling manager Fabrizio Bertolo says the decision was made with the health and safety of Cochrane area residents in mind.

"While all COVID-19 precautions were in place during our event on May 1, we believe it is best to avoid any unnecessary gathering at this time," says Bertolo.

The first free event held on May 1 was well received. Over 600 vehicles came to shovel a couple of buckets of the nutrient-rich compost.

compost event staffingCOVID-19 safety measures were carefully followed at the first event. (file photo)