By the end of September, all multi-residential premises will be required to collect and dispose of organic material, joining the bulk of Cochrane households. Prior to this, they will also be required to provide to the town a written waste, recycling and organic collection plan before June 30.

Town council gave all readings to the Waste Management Bylaw amendments on Apr. 9 that included the expansion of the organic program and a couple of housekeeping items.

It's not a sudden change, rather it follows two information sessions, a survey of property management/condo boards and site assessments to evaluate specific concerns. Educational material has also been prepared.

"There are different solutions out there and there's not one solution that fits all," explains Cochrane Waste and Recycling manager Fabrizio Bertolo. "We gave them all the different scenarios they can use. It's up to them to decide what to do and we are here to help them if they wish."

Some may choose to hire a contractor and the town provided a list of approved contractors to consider. They also recommended several quotes be obtained before making a selection.

Bertolo presented information to council in February in advance of bringing the bylaw changes forward.

Other bylaw amendments

Two other amendments were made to the bylaw.

The distance between the collection bins on curbside is now one metre to allow for easier retrieval. Previously it was set at 0.3 metres and that has proven to be too close

There also needs to have one-metre clearance at the rear of the carts, also changed from 0.3 metres.

In addition, council formalized a 50 per cent increase in the cost of Pay As You Throw Bags. They now cost $3.00, up from $2.00. These bags are available at the Cochrane Eco-Centre, 50 Griffin Industrial Point, and are for excess waste residents are not able to place in their waste carts.

Industrial/commercial and institutions are the next target and already some initial workshops and discussions have been held with the companies impacted. That will be followed by a strategy for the construction and demolition industries and public spaces.

Weekly organic collection returns

Organic collection has returned to a weekly schedule until the end of October. It was reduced to bi-weekly last November because volumes typically drop through the winter months.

The town continues to make strides towards diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfills.