FoodCyclers estimated to divert 29.98 metric tonnes from landfill

Cold Lake, AB – Council received an update from FoodCycle Science on the usage and waste diversion from 100 FoodCyclers that made their way into local homes as part of a pilot program in the community.

The FoodCycler Pilot Program was launched in late 2024, with two different models available in January 2025 for the 100 residents that signed up for the program. For 12 weeks, residents were asked to track their usage in order to calculate how much organic waste was being saved from heading to the local Transfer Station. Participants were also asked to complete an exit survey.

“We know a number of people who had positive feedback about the program,” said Mayor Bob Mattice. “It was interesting to see the data as a whole for the past year. This gives council something to think about when it comes to waste diversion strategies.”

Based on the data collected, it is estimated that the machines helped to divert approximately 299.81kg of food waste per household per year from the landfill, for a total of 29.98 metric tonnes. Residents also reported generating 0.75 fewer standard garbage bags per week, or 39 garbage bags per household per year, that were not sent to the Transfer Station landfill.

The estimated operating costs per unit ranged from $8 to $20 per month, for one to four cycles per week, depending on household usage. Most of the feedback from the survey was positive, with people enjoying the convenience of the device. Some participants, however, also noted the additional expense of the filters that are required to keep the machine running smoothly. Each filter lasts three to four months, and a package of four filters costs roughly $75 to $100.

Council accepted the report as information and will look at the City’s business plan and waste diversion strategy once they have established a formal diversion target.

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