In-Home Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout has entered into another agreement with FoodCycle Science to establish a pilot program that allows an additional 75 FoodCycler machines to be purchased by Sioux Lookout residents at discounted rates of $150.00 plus HST for the FC-30 model, normally $500.00, and $300.00 plus HST for the Maestro model, normally $800.00. The discounted rates are available in exchange for users recording their usage over the course of the 12-week pilot program. Once the pilot program is complete, the FoodCycler machine is yours without further obligation.
Join us in tackling food waste by piloting FoodCycler technology in your home.
The pilot program will run for 12 weeks, from Monday, July 15, 2024 through Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Each household that receives a FoodCycler will be asked to track how many “cycles” they run their FoodCycler through each week. For example, if you fill your FoodCycler up with organic waste and run the machine once per day for a week, you will mark down that you ran your unit 7 times. This tracking allows FoodCycle Science and the Municipality of Sioux Lookout to estimate the total waste diversion achieved over the course of the pilot program. At the end of the 12 weeks, participants are asked to fill out an exit survey, providing their review of the program and any other feedback they may have. The survey results are used to evaluate the program's success.
FoodCycle Science is looking to receive high-quality data from the pilot program participants regarding food waste diversion, as well as receive high-quality feedback from residents, staff, and council regarding the feasibility of a FoodCycler food waste diversion program for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and similar communities. It would also demonstrate the viability of the technology and solutions in a municipal setting so the model can be redeployed in similar communities across Canada.
Sioux Lookout’s initial pilot program, in 2023, indicated that 100% of users would continue using their units after the pilot period ended. Each resident in the program diverted approximately 0.5 bags of household waste per week. As a result, each participating household could be diverting nearly 30 bags of waste from our landfill each year. Across the initial 85 participants, that’s equivalent to 2,550 bags per year!
This pilot program has several benefits for Sioux Lookout, such as an opportunity to trial a home-based food waste diversion solution at a cost well below market prices and increasing waste diversion rates - decreasing waste disposal costs and extending the usable life of the Hidden Lake Landfill.
What is FoodCycler?
FoodCycler is a closed-loop indoor compost alternative that speeds up the natural decomposition process through aerobic digestion of waste. The unit dries and grinds food waste into a dry, odourless, nutrient-rich by-product that is significantly reduced in weight and volume from its unprocessed state. The product is free from bacteria, weed seeds, and food-borne pathogens that were eliminated during the process.
Benefits of the FoodCycler
- Up to 90% volume reduction of food waste
- Quiet, compact, odourless operation
- Easy to clean, easy to operate, no special training or skills required
- It's quick! Compared to composting, FoodCycler processes food waste in hours, instead of months
- Produces a valuable soil amendment, low in odour and less attractive to wildlife.
- Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) impact vs. landfill.
How you can take part
To purchase a FoodCycler unit online through this pilot program, sales will open at 8:00 a.m. Monday, June 17th and close on Friday, July 21st at 1:00 p.m., while supplies last. Those who purchase a unit online can pick them up on Monday, July 15th, Tuesday, July 16th, or by appointment in the Corporate Services department on the 1st floor of the Municipal Office, to the left of the customer service desk, at 25 Fifth Avenue.
The 75 units available in this pilot cycle MUST be purchased and paid for in advance. No refunds will be offered. Receipts will be sent via email. Please keep a copy for warranty purposes.
A link to purchase your FoodCycler will be available here during the sales window, June 17 to 21, 2024.
Businesses interested in receiving a 20% discount on a commercial FoodCycler unit should contact our Economic Development Officer directly by email or phone.
Accessories and additional filters for Municipal FoodCycler users can be purchased online at https://slkt.me/FCstore.
Only one FoodCycler purchase per household is permitted.
Download the FoodCycler Municipal Pilot Program Resident Guide. (PDF)
For more information, contact Jennifer Esposito, Economic Development Officer. Email or call 807-737-2700 ext. 2228.
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