FoodCycler™ Pilot Project

Registration Extended!

FoodCycler™ Municipal Pilot Program Resident Guide
First come, first served, remaining units in total remaining
Click the green "Registration Link" button below to register
Available only to North Kawartha Township residents
Limit of one (1) FoodCycler™ per North Kawartha Township property
Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 705-656-2438 for information regarding purchase and pickup. Please be prepared to pay for your unit when you pick it up. At the NKCC we accept debit or cash.

The Township of North Kawartha is pleased to announce the launch of the FoodCycler™Pilot Project! The pilot project is a partnership between the Township and Food Cycle Science aimed at supporting the Townships on-going waste diversion efforts.

The FoodCycler™ Unit is a table top unit that processes organic food waste into useable compost. Each FoodCycler™ Unit is capable of reducing food waste volume by up to 90%. The FoodCycler™ Unit grinding system is capable of pulverizing most food scraps including meat, bones, pits and shells.

The FoodCycler™ Pilot Project

The pilot project will run for a total of 12 weeks, and residents can choose between one of two units. The FoodCycler™ FC-30 is available to residents at a cost $150 (plus HST), and the FoodCycler™ Maestro/Eco 5 is available to residents at a cost of $300 (plus HST). The cost of both units are being subsidized by the Township. The average retail cost of the FoodCycler™ FC-30 is $350 and the FoodCycler™ Maestro/Eco 5 is $800.

The FoodCycler™ units are available on a first come, first serve basis. Participants will receive an email with a FoodCycler™ Information guide and a pilot project tracking sheet. Participants will be asked to track the unit’s usage over the 12 week pilot and complete a brief exit survey at the end of the pilot. The pilot project is available for North Kawartha residents only.

Choosing Your FoodCycler™

Two different FoodCycler™ units are available for purchase at a subsidized cost. Participants will select the unit they would like to purchase when registering for the pilot program.

FoodCycler™ FC-30

Cost: $150.00 (+HST)
Smaller bucket size
Shorter processing time
Includes 2 pre-installed refillable filter cartridges

FoodCycler™ Maestro/Eco 5

Cost: $300.00 (+HST)
Larger bucket size
Longer processing time
Includes 1 pre-installed refillable filter cartridge

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a FoodCycler™?

The FoodCycler™is a closed-loop, indoor compost alternative, which speeds up the natural decomposition process of food waste. The unit dries and grinds food waste into a dry, odorless, and nutrient dense by-product. The by-product can be used in many applications, including used as fertilizer in a garden or added to a backyard composter to speed up decomposition.

The FoodCycler™takes up approximately one (1) cubic foot of space and requires a power outlet. Once set up, you toss your food scraps into the bucket and press the button. The FoodCycler™reduces the volume of food waste by 90% in 4-8 hours. Each cycle uses about 0.8-1.5 kWh of electricity, which costs approximately 10 cents. The carbon filtration system eliminates odors, making it perfect for indoor use.

How much energy does the unit consume?

Each cycle consumes approximately 0.8-1.5 kWh per cycle, which is roughly equivalent to having a desktop computer running for the same amount of time as the cycle. Depending on where you live, using the FoodCycler™ regularly should not cost you more than $2-$4 per month. The FoodCycler™ has built-in sensor technology that monitors the dryness and humidity of the food waste. Once complete, the unit will stop the cycle automatically.

How long does the cycle last?

In the Maestro/Eco 5™ FoodCycler®, a typical cycle takes between 4-9 hours for the food waste to become completely dehydrated and processed into the by-product

For the FC-30 and FC-50 units 4-8 hours (with an average of 5 hours) for the food waste to become completely dehydrated and processed.

The time needed depends on the amount of food waste being processed, the density of the food wastes and the moisture levels contained in each. Please note that these estimates exclude the unit's cooling time which lasts less than a half hour on average.

How long will my filters last?

The carbon filters last between 3-4 months with regular use, or 500 cycle hours. The life expectancy of the carbon filters is determined by the moisture content of the food waste, and the natural odours of the food waste. Denser, wetter and smellier food wastes will go through filters much faster than simple veggie scraps and egg shells. The filter light sensor is a guide only - the best indication of whether your filters require replacement is odour. Please see your device manual for instructions to reset the filter light.

Where can I store my FoodCycler™?

Nearly any covered area with access to an outlet. The FoodCycler™ must be in a closed, dry environment where there is no risk of it being rained on or otherwise subjected to the elements. Possible locations include heated garages, basements, pantries, or your kitchen.

What can the FoodCycler™process?

Most fruit and vegetable scraps
Meat, shellfish, and poultry scraps
Cheese
Beans, seeds, and legumes
Chicken and fish bones/shells
Coffee grounds, filters, and tea bags
Eggs and eggshells

Can I buy accessories for my FoodCycler™?

Accessories may be purchased during or after the pilot period, you can access exclusive municipal resident pricing at: https://bit.ly/FoodCyclerMunicipalStore

Videos

Gary Geraldi
Director of Parks & Recreation/Waste
North Kawartha Community Centre
340 McFadden Road
P.O. Box 550
Apsley, Ontario
K0L 1A0

T. 705-656-3619
T. 705-656-4445 ext. 252
Toll Free: 1-800-755-6931 ext. 252
F. 705-656-4446
Email the Director of Parks & Recreation/Waste

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