Cranbrook exploring possibility of curbside organics

The City of Cranbrook is considering the implementation of organics recycling to its curbside collection programs.

City staff recently completed a feasibility study looking at the potential costs of the program.

“The capital cost for curbside organics collection is about $1.2 million,” said project manager Katelyn Pocha.

“With this report what we would be doing is bringing it for consideration in the budget so we can seek grant funding in order to fund that capital cost for the program.”

There would also be the cost of hiring one full-time position with benefits and approximately $15,000 per year in fuel.

Councillor Ron Popoff isn’t convinced it’s a top priority.

“Because there are financial implications I think this is something we have to hear from the residents because we are going to be taxing them on the use of something they may or may not want,” he said.

“Maybe other councillors are being beaten down about needing composting collection services, but I’m not hearing that as a top 20 issue.”

He believes it should be put to a public vote.

“I think this needs to go as a referendum at the next election in 2026,” Popoff said.

“That gives us some time to advocate and get the message out to the public. No one is beating down our doors demanding composting at this time. It’s not a legal mandate and we should be putting it to the public for their vote on it.”

The topic of curbside organics recycling will be brought back to council once they start deliberations on the next five-year financial plan in the fall.