FoodCycler organic waste diversion project
A new FoodCycler program through the County of Haliburton is available to Algonquin Highlands households. The program was launched in the spring of 2023. Registration closed on March 17, 2023 but residents are still able to complete the registration and have their name placed on a wait list in the case units become available.
Program informaiton is available on the County of Haliburton website (link opens in a new browser window).
You can register for the program wait list at https://bit.ly/FCHaliburton
Township of Algonquin Highlands Pilot project
The Township of Algonquin Highlands first offered a trial program to residents in 2021. One hundred units were distributed to Algonquin Highlands households.
What was the purpose of this program?
The purpose of the FoodCycler™ trial project is to measure the viability of on-site food waste processing technology as a method of waste diversion. By reducing food waste at home, you can support our community’s environmental goals, reduce your household’s carbon footprint and extend the life of our local landfill sites.
What is a FoodCycler?
The FoodCycler™ is a closed-loop indoor compost alternative, which speeds up the natural decomposition process through aerobic digestion of waste. The unit dries and grinds food waste into a dry, odourless, nutrient-dense by-product that is significantly reduced in weight and volume from its unprocessed state. The end product is free from bacteria, and weed seeds and food-borne pathogens are eliminated in the process.
How does it work?
The folks at FoodCycler have a great information page with information about how the FoodCycler works.
How do I get one?
At this time all FoodCyclers available through the Township of Algonquin Highlands pilot project have been sold. Please visit the County of Haliburton webpage (link opens in a new browser window) or infomation on a new pilot program for the County that started in the Spring of 2023.
How much do FoodCyclers cost?
There will be two models of FoodCyclers available through the new County of Haliburton program. The FC-30, which is the unit that was offered in the initial pilot programs, and the Maestro, which has double the capacity for food waste. The FC-30 will be available for $100 plus tax through this program (typically retails for $500) and the Maestro will be available for $200 plus tax (typically retails for $800).
Why did the Township partner in a trial program?
This was an initiative to address organic waste diversion in our Community. Our trial program evaluated the use of FoodCyclers as a way of reducing the amount of organic waste going to landfill and reducing the amount of food waste in our Community. The sucess of this trial program has lead to an expanded program being offered through the County of Haliburton (link opens in a new browser window).
Who can I contact for more information?
Korey McKay - Climate Change Coordinator, County of Haliburton (for the new County program)
foodcycler@haliburtoncounty.ca
705-286-1333 extension 242
Melissa Murray - Environmental Mangager, Township of Algonquin Highlands (re Township programs)
mmurray@algonquinhighlands.ca
705-489-2379 extension 332
This page last updated March 28 2023