Second FoodCycler Pilot Program launching June 17

 Tim Brody - Editor

After what they say was, “an incredible response to last year’s pilot program”, the Municipality of Sioux Lookout has entered into an agreement with FoodCycle Science to establish a second pilot program, “to increase home composting and divert tons of food waste from the Hidden Lake Landfill.”
“This second pilot program will allow 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. These discounted rates are available in exchange for users recording their usage over the course of 12 weeks. Once the pilot program is complete, the FoodCycler machine can continue to be used without further obligation,” the Municipality of Sioux Lookout shared in a May 21 media release. 
The pilot program will run from Monday, July 15 through Sunday, October 13. 
“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 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,” the Municipality shared.
According to the Municipality, the initial pilot program in 2023 indicated that 100 percent 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!” the Municipality shared.
The Municipality noted that 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. The benefits include decreasing waste disposal costs and extending the usable life of the Hidden Lake Landfill.” 
“The FoodCycler is very quick, compared to traditional composting,” explained Economic Development Officer, Jennifer Esposito. “It processes food waste in a matter of hours instead of months. It is easy to clean and operate and doesn’t require any special training to use. Using a FoodCycler reduces our greenhouse gas impact and reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill. The benefits should be easily measurable.” 
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, June 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 Municipality noted that the 75 units available in this pilot cycle MUST be purchased and paid for in advance. No refunds will be offered. Only one FoodCycler purchase per household is permitted. 
For more information on the FoodCycler pilot program, to purchase a unit, or download the Resident Guide to the program, people can visit our website at https://slkt.me/foodcycler.