Photo courtesy Food Cycle Science

The company behind a food recycling program is happy with the outcome of a pilot program in Fort Frances.

Two hundred households used a unique kitchen appliance called the Food Cycler that turns food waste into compost.

The program took place last fall over twelve weeks.

Residents were asked to track their usage and provide feedback.

Jessica Taylor of Food Cycle Science says they determined an estimated 43 metric tons of food waste were diverted from landfill.

“Seventy per cent of participants reported a noticeable reduction in their waste generated, and 100% of participants will continue using their food cycler,” says Taylor.

Taylor says a large number of residents admitted to throwing some of their food waste into the garbage before taking part in the study.

Only a handful composted, with others concerned about animals and pests, odour maintenance and knowledge from doing so.

“These answers are in line with a lot of the data we’ve collected in our municipal programs. The food cycler is a really great solution to these problems because it’s easy to use, is odour free, and the byproduct prevents wildlife encounters,” says Taylor.

Overall, participants gave the unit strong marks, though some wished it held more.

The town subsidized the pilot, contributing $25,000 so users could acquire the appliance at a reduced rate.

“To understand the willingness of residents to pay out of pocket, we asked if they would consider purchasing a food cycler if a municipal program was not available. Ninety-seven per cent of residents indicated that they are willing to pay some amount to be a part of the solution.”

The town has not decided if it will continue the program and expand it in the future.

Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Travis Rob, says they are still monitoring the results to determine if the program will be extended or expanded.

“So pending that, we’ll either potentially look to bring something to the budget next year or something mid-year, depending on what that public interest is,” says Rob.

He adds with the data available through the pilot project, they can get a better understand how food waste impacts on the landfill site.