Cochrane's Waste and Recycling department has pumped out an extensive public awareness campaign this summer to help educate Cochranites on how to properly use their three disposal bins.

Now, they want to treat you to a barbecue this Thursday night, Aug. 23.

The barbecue is being hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion, 114 5th Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m. so you can enjoy a burger or hot dog while discussing waste reduction opportunities.

"I've worked for many municipalities in my life and I've never seen such a huge communications/education program as we held here this summer," says Fabrizio Bertolo, Waste and Recycling Manager.

Accessible through the town website, Facebook and YouTube, the town has produced over 30 videos shot locally featuring town officials and residents of all ages showing how to properly dispose of waste. They've even shown some at the Cochrane MovieHouse.

That's complemented by a constant flow of educational pieces.

But, concedes Bertolo, you can't reach everyone in these manners. Through their home-to-home audits, they have practically had their hands in every household bin in town and where necessary have left notes pointing out property sorting practices. 

A follow-up survey is now online, says Bertolo.

"We just came out with a second survey asking pretty much the same questions as last spring to see how the communications programs went and to see if it made a difference."

It asks a series of questions, analyzes the impact of their videos and informational pieces, garners people's views on waste reduction, encourages participation in focus groups and even has a little quiz to see if participants understand what goes in which bin. It's also trying to get an indication of how often bins need to be emptied.

Bertolo says he will be appearing before council to provide an update and discuss what's next.