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In Fall 2023, Loyalist Township launched the FoodCycler Pilot Program where 100 resident households registered and purchased one of two FoodCycler unit models to use and reduce the amount of organic waste entering our local landfills. The initiative aimed to address the issue of food waste while promoting environmental consciousness within the community.  

Response to the pilot program was unprecedented for a municipal of Loyalist’s size according to the team at FoodCycle Science with units selling out within 6 hours. 

Over a 12-week period the pilot program participants recorded their usage of the unit, as well as their thoughts and feelings on the program, it’s success rate in their households, satisfaction, 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 and 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 

“The Loyalist Township FoodCycler Pilot Program has been a game-changer for waste reduction in my household. The simplicity of the system, coupled with its positive environmental impact, has made a noticeable difference. Proud to be a part of this forward-thinking initiative.” – Pilot Program Participant  

On Jan. 9, 2024, Council approved a limited 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. 

Council further directed staff to develop a detailed feasibility study for further expansion that includes best practices from other municipalities, consideration of alternative units including bulk solutions where appropriate, and a cost benefit analysis including what is the value of the extended life of landfills and reduction of waste collection costs, and to consider funding options including the Green Municipal Fund. 

Loyalist Township plans to launch the first-come first-served online registration for the second pilot program in late February with the hope to hand out units and start the second program in early April. 

The registration link will go live at 12:00 p.m. on February 28th at www.loyalist.ca/FoodCycler.  

Those interested in participating are encouraged to save the date and time for when registration goes live in their calendars as there is high demand for the program, and it is anticipated that units will sell out very quickly. Residents can review program details and the two available unit specs online in preparation.