(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane Eco Centre has earned the Alberta Recycling Management Authority’s (ARMA) 2026 Collection Site Award of Excellence, recognizing its leadership in providing safe, convenient and effective recycling services to the community.
“This award reflects the strength of our Eco Centre team and the commitment they bring to serving Cochrane residents every day,” said Shawn Tooth, Director, Utilities. “As our community grows, we continue to look for ways to improve our services, expand diversion opportunities and make recycling as accessible and efficient as possible. This award speaks to the work of our team and the residents who continue to support responsible waste diversion in Cochrane.”
That commitment to continuous improvement can be seen throughout the Eco Centre. Enhancements to site layout, signage and traffic flow, along with changes to container placement, collection scheduling and material storage, have helped reduce wait times, improve efficiency and make it easier for residents to sort materials correctly. The Eco Centre has also expanded the range of materials residents can divert from landfill, creating a convenient, one-stop location for recycling and resource recovery.
“This recognition reflects the incredible work our Eco Centre staff do every day to make the site a welcoming and effective place for our community to divert waste. Their commitment and pride in the work they do is what makes the Eco Centre such a success.”
“This award is also a testament to the people of Cochrane. Our residents take pride in where they live, and their willingness to recycle and properly divert their waste is a big part of what makes the Eco Centre successful. It’s a real team effort, and we’re grateful to our staff and our community for making the Eco Centre such an important part of Cochrane,” said Brad Kalman, Manager, Solid Waste & Stormwater.
Education and customer service are equally important to the Eco Centre’s work. Staff help residents understand proper sorting and available recycling options, while school tours, community outreach and educational initiatives build awareness around waste reduction and responsible resource management.
As Cochrane continues to grow, the Town remains focused on adapting Eco Centre services, expanding diversion opportunities and ensuring the facility continues to meet the needs of the community.
The award was presented at the Alberta CARE Recycling Conference in Fort McMurray on September 3, 2026.
To learn more about the Cochrane Eco Centre, visit cochrane.ca/EcoCentre.
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