FoodCycler Pilot Program
Registration for the FoodCycler Pilot Program Expansion is now CLOSED! Thank you to all those who have registered and expressed interest.
FoodCycler Pilot Program:
Loyalist Township is taking steps towards a greener and more sustainable future with the implementation of the FoodCycler Pilot Program.
An informational presentation about the FoodCycler was brought to the November 2021 Council meeting, and on Monday, June 26, 2023, staff were directed by Council to proceed with a 100 household FoodCycler pilot program. This innovative initiative that aims to address the issue of food waste while promoting environmental consciousness within the community was supported to proceed.
Over a 12-week period the pilot program participants recorded their usage of the unit, satisfaction rates, and more. The program officially concluded in December 2023.
Following the pilot’s conclusion, FoodCycler and Township staff prepared an update report for Council highlighting the impact of the program based on results of the pilot group’s final feedback survey. Key points of data shared include:
- 34.2 MT of food waste diverted from landfill/year from the 100 FoodCyclers in the pilot
- Residents reported a 0.37 bag reduction per week which equals 19.2 bags/household/per year of food waste diverted from landfills.
- Participants rated the program 4.7/5 stars
- 97.5% of participants will continue using the FoodCycler
On Jan. 9, 2024, Council approved expansion of the FoodCycler Pilot Program. A limited number of units will be made available to the public on a first-come first-served basis. Residents interested are encouraged to save the date in their calendar, as the units are expected to sell-out very quickly.
Expansion of the Pilot Program Participation:
The FoodCycler program, which has gained recognition and success in Dysart et al. and Carleton Place, started providing municipal programs in 2020, now with over 100 municipalities signed up to participate. Many of these programs were funded in part by a grant from the Impact Canada Food Waste Reduction Challenge.
The Loyalist Township expansion of the FoodCycler Pilot Program requires resident households willing to:
- purchase a FoodCycler unit at a cost of $150 to $300
- track the number of cycles over an 12-week period
- complete a survey at the end of the 12-week period
Email List:
If you are interested in FoodCycler Pilot Program updates please register for our email list below:
Please note: Email list registration does not guarantee you a spot in future programs.
What is a FoodCycler?
By utilizing cutting-edge technology, a FoodCycler can transform organic waste into compost amendment right in our own homes and offices. The end product claims to be free from bacteria and weed seeds and food-borne pathogens are eliminated in the process. Each "cycle" of composting in the FoodCycler takes approximately 4 to 8 hours and uses only 0.8 to 1.3 kWh of electricity.
Models Available:
Benefits:
- Reduces waste volume by up to 90%
- Quiet, compact, and odourless operation
- Easy to clean, easy to operate, no special training or skills required
- Relatively quick process and available year-round (compared to composting)
- Produces valuable compost amendment that is fully-dry, low in odour and less attractive to wildlife
- Low emissions compared to direct landfilling (reduced methane production, low power consumption, no transport emissions)
How it Works?
Step 1 |
Place your food waste into the FoodCycler™ bucket. The FoodCycler™ can take almost any type of food waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, fish, dairy, bones, shells, pits, coffee grinds and filters, and even paper towels. |
Step 2 |
Place the FoodCycler™ bucket into your FoodCycler™ unit. The FoodCycler™can be used anywhere with a plug such as a kitchen countertop, basement, laundry room, heated garage, etc. |
Step 3 |
Press Start. In 8 hours or less, your food waste will be transformed into compost amendment that can integrated back into your garden. The cycle runs quietly and with no odours or GHG emissions. |
FoodCycler Funded Pilot Program – Subsidy Model:
The funded pilot program is based on a cost subsidy model where Food Cycle Science provides an initial discount, AAFC/Impact Canada contribute an investment, Loyalist Township provides a subsidy, and the resident provides the remaining contribution The purpose of this model is to make this technology accessible to more Canadians at an affordable price. See the model breakdowns below.
FoodCycler FC-30 |
FoodCycler Eco-5 (formerly known as the Maestro) |
Each FoodCycler™ is estimated to divert at least 2 tonnes of food over its expected lifetime. Based on average market rates of $150 per tonne of waste (fully burdened), 100 households participating would divert 200 tonnes of food waste and save the municipality an estimated $20,000.00 in costs.
Additional Resources:
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