COLD LAKE - City of Cold Lake Council recently engaged in discussions regarding proposed amendments to the Compost Disposal Policy.
The proposed changes, raised by Azam Khan, the general manager of Infrastructure Services for the City, aim to balance the longstanding tradition of providing free compost to the community with the introduction of a fee-based service to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of compost operations.
During a Feb. 27, regular council meeting Khan, shed light on the City's compost operations, stating, “City of Cold Lake compost operations produces approximately 500 tons of compost every year. Our current policy allows free compost distribution to residential areas, but there's a significant amount left behind for various other activities, including spreading on landfills and internal city operations.”
The proposed amendments date back to the 2020 budget deliberations when council approved the sale of compost, extending its reach beyond residential use to commercial entities.
Khan emphasized this shift, stating, “During the 2020 budget deliberation, the council approved the provision to allow the sale of compost and to give back to commercial entities, which the current policy does not allow. This issue was presented at the previous Corporate Priorities Committee meeting, and we are creating a new class of essentially providing two service models."
The proposed amendments introduce a dual-service model, maintaining the existing self-serve option that offers free compost during specific weeks known as “Compost Days.” Simultaneously, a new service level, “Full Service Bulk Compost,” is being introduced, allowing residents and commercial entities to purchase compost at a rate of $10 per 100 kilograms, with a minimum charge of $50. Notably, under this new service level, City crews will be responsible for loading the compost, providing a convenient and accessible option for those opting for the fee-based service.
"The self-serve model will still be the current existing model that will allow free compost during the compost days that we usually advertise,” affirmed Khan.
All members of council agreed to the proposed amendments, voting unanimously in favour of the policy.
