Recycling depot accepting pumpkins

Residents looking to dispose of their used jack-o-lanterns can drop them off at the Eastside Recycle Depot.

The facility, located at 15 East Lake Hill, will be accepting pumpkins from Nov. 1 to 10.

“Last year was the first year we started taking pumpkins at the depot and recycling them rather than (having) people putting them in their garbage,” said Susan Grimm, team lead for the City’s waste and recycling department.

“Last year, we generated eight metric tons, and we are hoping to generate more this year.”

The pumpkins will be composted and turned into valuable soil for use in city parks, said Grimm.

Airdrie’s waste and recycling department will also be hosting its second annual Pumpkin Bash on Nov. 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The free, drop-in event will feature pumpkin bowling, during which kids will use their jack-o-lanterns to try to knock down pins, and indoor activities such as colouring and games.

Waste and recycling staff will be on hand to answer questions and a garbage truck will be on display.

According to Grimm, last year’s event drew between 40 and 50 people and the most popular activity was the garbage truck, brought for display by the waste and recycling department.

“It was a big hit,” she said. “I think more people spent time looking at the garbage truck than anywhere else.”

Grimm encourages residents to attend the event.

“It’s a good opportunity for something free and fun and different for the whole family,” she said.

Airdrie’s waste and recycling department employs eight people. Since May 1, the department generated 228 metric tons of grass and leaf clippings at its eastside location, according to Grimm. Those clippings are composted and used in city parks.

The eastside location accepts grass clippings and leaves in its composting program until Oct. 31. Tree branches, sod or pet waste are not accepted.

From Oct. 1 to April 30, the recycling depot will be open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility, which also accepts recycling such as paper, cardboard, plastic and tin cans, is closed Wednesdays.

For more information, contact the City’s waste and recycling department at 403-948-0246.