CLYDE – Despite Clyde’s compost facility being used for improper disposal of everything from dead animals to dog feces, council voted in favour of keeping it going another year.
The facility will be open from April to October in 2025 and signs will be placed to more clearly identify that only grass clippings and leaves may be dumped.
“There’s still abuse going on,” said Mayor Charis Aguirre, adding that the village could try operating it for one more year.
Chief Administrative Officer Jaye Parrent said they aren’t even sure if the abuse is coming from local residents.
Deputy mayor Alma Cruise Irwin said she has seen dead animals and dog feces in the facility.
Council also agreed the facility should be moved further east on the Public Works yard, away from any residential homes to mitigate issues with any odours.
The village has been facing maintenance problems with the facility. It has become labour-intensive for public works to clean up prohibited debris, as well as move and turn the piles.
During the village's public policy and priorities meeting, Coun. Alex Strembesky had proposed relocating the entrance sign, which currently indicates that only grass and leaves are allowed, to the fence for better visibility.
Another option before council was permanently closing the facility and directing local residents to use Westlock Regional Waste Management’s partner Alt-Root Compost Facility, and/or encourage people to use their own compost bins in their backyards.
Two other options included closing the compost site and entering into an agreement to rent a 30 yard roll off transfer bin for composting and absorb the cost or bill residents $2 a month on their utility bills, or alternatively, contract a provider for curbside organics pickup for composting and bill residents $8.50 a month.
Council is expected to discuss the compost facility issue again in November 2025.
