A year-long pilot program aimed at reducing household food waste in Cold Lake is being called a success, with strong participation and clear environmental benefits highlighted during the Dec. 16 Corporate Priorities Committee meeting.

The pilot provided 100 households with subsidized FoodCycler units, small electric composters designed to turn everyday kitchen scraps into usable compost right at home.

How the Pilot Took Shape

Approved by the previous council, the program was supported through a $10,000 City investment. Each participating household received a $100 subsidy toward a FoodCycler unit and was asked to complete a 12-week exit survey. After completing the survey, participants were able to keep their unit.

The goal was to test whether in-home composting could reduce household garbage while complementing Cold Lake’s existing organics programs.

Big Results From a Small Unit

Of the 100 households that took part, 85 completed the exit survey, showing strong engagement throughout the pilot. Results showed each household diverted an estimated 0.30 tonnes of food waste per year, adding up to nearly 30 tonnes of waste kept out of the landfill across the community.

The environmental impact was also significant. The pilot reduced an estimated 38.98 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, roughly equivalent to the carbon absorption of about 39 acres of forest each year.

Participants reported throwing away fewer garbage bags, about 39 fewer per household annually, and many said using the FoodCycler helped them become more aware of food waste, portion sizes, and shopping habits.

Residents Give It High Marks

Feedback from participants showed strong support for the program:

• 67 per cent preferred the FoodCycler over curbside organics

• 95 per cent would recommend it to friends or family

• 98 per cent plan to continue using their unit

• The program earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars

• Nearly three-quarters of participants gave it a perfect score

Small Tweaks, Big Potential

While feedback was overwhelmingly positive, some residents noted minor concerns. These included the cost of replacement filters and small usability issues, such as unit sizing and setup. Suggestions included better access to local filters and additional subsidies to make long-term use more affordable.

Part of a Bigger Waste Strategy

The FoodCycler pilot complements Cold Lake’s existing waste management services. Green bin collection for bagged organics runs seasonally from April 1 to Nov. 15, with additional special pickups available. Residents can also drop off compost year-round at the Waste Management Facility.

In 2025, curbside organics collection accounted for roughly 650 tonnes, while residential compost drop-off added another 440 tonnes.

What Comes Next

Based on the pilot’s results, council and administration were told the program delivered strong environmental benefits and high resident satisfaction. The City is expected to continue reviewing the findings as it considers whether to expand or adapt the program in 2026.