Show All Answers

1. What time do I need to put out my waste and recycling for collection?

Carts must be out at the curb no later than 7 am on the day of collection.

2. When is my waste and recycling collection day?

Please read the residential collection map.

3. What if my regularly scheduled collection day falls on a statutory holiday?

If your collection day falls on Christmas Day and/or New Year's Day, your waste and recycling will be picked up the following week day. If your collection day falls on any other statutory holiday, your waste and recycling will be picked up as scheduled.

4. Why is there a limit on curbside residential waste collection?

The limit on curbside residential waste collection in Cochrane promotes waste reduction and recycling, and gives the Town of Cochrane the ability to control waste disposal costs. The limit on curbside residential waste collection is one 120 litre waste cart per household per week.

5. What if I have more waste than fits in the waste cart?

If you have excess waste you have 3 options:
1. Purchase "Town of Cochrane - Excess waste bags" put your waste in the bags and place it beside your waste cart on your collection day. Bags can be purchased at the Cochrane RancheHouse, FCSS, Operational Facilities, or at the Cochrane Eco Centre during regular operational hours for $3 each.
2. The Cochrane Eco Centre (50 Griffin Industrial Point) accepts clear bagged household waste for $2/bag. All recycling must be removed prior to disposal.
3. Alternatively, if you have excess waste on a regular basis you can make arrangements for an additional waste cart; additional charges will apply. Please call the Waste and Recycling Hotline at 403-851-2277 for details.

6. What is a unit of waste?

A unit of waste is defined as one 120 litre residential waste collection cart weighing, including its contents, to no more than 55 kg.

7. My waste or recycling wasn't picked up. What do I do?

If your waste or recycling was not picked up and you put your carts out for collection before 7 am on your collection day and followed all of the other pertinent guidelines, please call the Waste & Recycling Hotline at 403-851-2277.

8. I had set my waste out for collection and the birds have scattered it all over, what should I do?

It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure waste put out for collection is contained so that it is impervious to weather, animals and birds. By properly utilizing the waste collection cart and ensuring that the lid is closed completely, residents should not have any issues with weather, animals or birds.
One of the main reasons why the Town of Cochrane chose to implement the automated waste and recycling program is because of the design of the automated carts. The carts are designed in a way to prevent negative wildlife interactions with waste. As long as the cart lids are kept closed birds, dogs, coyotes and other wildlife will not have the same access to the garbage as they do with garbage bags placed out for collection. Gone are the days of having ravens and magpies tear open your bags and spread garbage all over your lawn!

9. Can I throw my waste loose inside my waste container?

No. All waste set out for collection should be contained in plastic bags which are properly tied before being put in waste containers. Residents are welcome to use kitchen catchers or reuse old grocery bags to contain their waste within the cart; you are not limited to using standard black garbage bags.

10. What items cannot be put out for waste collection?

Don't put the following items out in any waste cart for collection by the Town or its contractor:

• Hazardous waste
  
• Biomedical waste
  
• Commercial, trade or industrial waste
  
• Dead animals
  
• Construction, renovation or demolition waste
  
• Gas/propane liquids or any other liquid based petroleum product
  
• Rocks
  
• Automobile waste including automobile parts, tires and batteries
  
• Engine oil/oil filters
  
• Building materials and furniture
  
• Sod
  
• Waste that is unsafe for the collector to access or handle
  
• Waste that could cause environmental impairment
  

Review the Town of Cochrane Waste Management Bylaw 09/2011 for more information or call the Waste & Recycling Hotline at 403-851-2277.