A short-term solution has been created for residents with excessive organic yard waste.

Starting May 12, residents can drop it off three days a week at the lagoon site, located near the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre and the south end of Griffin Rd.

There are conditions.

  • Only organic yard material will be accepted; absolutely no commercial dumping;
  • Only two vehicles allowed at a time;
  • Must wear gloves;
  • Bring your own equipment, like shovels, rakes, and brooms;
  • Only one person per vehicle is allowed to unload; and
  • Staff will monitor, but can't physically assist.

There are also limits on what can be dropped off by one vehicle weekly.

  • Grass/leaves - maximum of 5 large garbage bags
  • Branches - 15cm dia. by 1.5m long. Maximum of half a 6 ft. truck box

The organic waste will be accepted Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mayor Jeff Genung praises the staff of the Cochrane Eco-Centre for finding a solution while the centre is closed to the public.

"This is a win, I'm really happy with it."

Part of the challenge was making sure eco centre staff were kept safe from the spread of COVID-19.

The town has also been receiving inquiries on when the Eco-Centre will reopen.

At the May 11 council meeting, Acting CAO Drew Hyndman said the town's emergency coordination centre (ECC) has been evaluating when the eco centre will open, and what form it will take, keeping in mind the safety of the centre's staff and residents.