At the November 14th 2023 council meeting, the Council of the Township of Conmee received a delegation from FoodCycle Science, a Canadian company offering residential composting appliances to homeowners. By working with municipalities across Ontario, FoodCycle Science has been able to reduce the cost of the appliance through federal and private funding.
FoodCycle Science identifies many benefits to municipalities that provide composting programs:
- Household waste is composed of 25-50% organic waste
- Landfills are filling up fast, creating cost and environmental issues
- Food in the garbage creates unpleasant odours and increases animal and pest occurrences
FoodCycle Science is seeking interest from the Township of Conmee to participate in the pilot program and to initiate the purchase of 50 appliances to resell to local residents. The Township is seeking input from local residents on their interest to participate in the pilot program and willingness to purchase the appliance at their own expense, at a subsidized cost.
The appliance is about the size of a bread maker and can be placed on a countertop in the kitchen (or other heated location within the home). The appliance accepts most food waste and converts it into organic material overnight, when operated. The organic material can then be used to mix with soil in flower pots, flower beds, vegetable gardens or placed in the garbage to be taken to the landfill.
To view the presentation to Council, "click here" for a PDF of their slideshow.
More information about FoodCycler can be found on their website at:
https://www.foodcycler.com/(External link)
Costs for replacement filters can be found on this link:
Neighbouring Municipalities currently providing the FoodCycler Program include:
- Municipality of Neebing
- Sioux Lookout
- Town of Fort Frances
- Red Rock Township
- City of Kenora
plus the Intercity Shopping Mall (Thunder Bay) also uses a commercial version.
The Township is seeking input from local residents and encourages everyone send their feedback to the office either by email conmee@conmee.com, by phone 807-475-5229, by letter or in-person.
Input could include such things like:
- Do you think this is a good idea?
- Do you support the program?
- Should the Township subsidize the program to lower the costs for participants?
- Would you participate in the program (i.e. purchase the appliance and report on the usage over 12 weeks)?
- any thoughts, questions or comments
The Office will provide a report to Council at a future council meeting so that Council can make a decision.
Thank you!