Lacombe County's 2026 Resident Environmental Sustainability Program: Reintroducing the FoodCyclers

Lacombe County is excited to announce the 2026 edition of our Resident Environmental Sustainability Program. For a second year, the RESP program is offering an innovative indoor composting solution: FoodCyclers™.

This annual initiative is designed to support property owners in their environmental goals through subsidized projects. Lacombe County Council voted in favour of subsidizing $100 per FoodCycler™ unit.

What is a FoodCycler?
A FoodCycler™ is a compact, indoor compost alternative that accelerates the natural decomposition process through aerobic digestion. These countertop-friendly machines transform your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich material that can benefit your garden and reduce household waste. With FoodCyclers™, you can effortlessly minimize your environmental footprint while contributing to a greener community.

Benefits of the FoodCycler™:
•    Up to 90% volume reduction
•    Quiet, compact, odourless operation
•    Easy to clean, easy to operate, no special training or skills required
•    Quick (compared to composting, the FoodCycler™ processes food waste in hours, instead of months)
•    Produces a valuable soil amendment, low in odour, and less attractive to wildlife.
•    Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) impact vs. landfill.

How the Program Works
Thanks to subsidies from external partners ranging from $300-$400 and an additional $100 subsidy through Lacombe County, Lacombe County residents can purchase a FoodCycler™ at a significantly reduced cost. Each unit receives a $400-$500 cost deduction, making this an affordable and impactful way to adopt sustainable practices.

Participants in the FoodCycler™ Pilot Program are required to:
•    Track the number of composting cycles completed over a 12-week period.
•    Complete a short survey at the end of the program to share their experiences.

Registration Details

• When: REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
• How: Visit https://bit.ly/FCLacombe to register and select your preferred model: 
  • FoodCycler™ Eco 3 ($200 +tax), which typically retails for $600
  • FoodCycler™ Eco 5 ($300 +tax), which typically retails for $800

PLEASE NOTE: Registering for the program here does not guarantee your spot in the program. You will be contacted if you are selected to participate.  Priority will be given to Lacombe County residents.

• Availability: Only 100 units are available! Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Implementation Timeline

• Device Shipment: FoodCyclers™ will be shipped to Lacombe County on March 15, 2025. Delivery will take approximately two weeks.
• Device Distribution: Units will be distributed to participants in April. Pick up will be required during Lacombe County office hours (8:00 am to 4:30 pm, M-F). Payment of $200 (Eco 3) or $300 (Eco 5) will be required at the time of pickup or in advance online.
• Pilot Period: April to June 2025 (12 weeks). Divert your food waste using the FoodCycler™ during this time, and track the amount of waste you divert with a tracking sheet (provided by the municipality).
• Post-Pilot Survey: Participants are required to complete a survey following their 12 week commitment to share their feedback and contribute to the program’s success.

Join us in making a positive environmental impact! Together, we can lead the way in sustainable living and inspire others to follow suit. Register for your FoodCycler™ and help Lacombe County grow greener, one household at a time.