Circular Innovation Council, along with the Town of Westlock and Strathcona County, are launching a new institutional, commercial, and industrial (IC&I) food rescue and organic waste diversion pilot. Building on the success of its internationally recognized pilot project in Ontario’s Guelph-Wellington County, the pilot improves organic waste collection efficiency and affordability, while creating a circular solution for food waste that delivers social, environmental, and economic impact.
The commercial food waste diversion pilot makes composting and food waste diversion possible for businesses of all sizes.
We’re pleased to announce we have been shortlisted for the 2025 Alberta Emerald Awards!
Thank you to the 15 participating local businesses for making a huge effort and showing leadership in diverting food waste from landfill! In just 6 months, you’ve made big impacts in your community and showed leadership in circular business practices and sustainability that will help drive bigger change for the region.
| Logo/Link | Company | Participation |
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 | A&W Baseline Road | From using compostable packaging to fundraising to support Canadians living with Multiple Sclerosis, they strive to make a positive impact in their community. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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| A&W Westlock | From using compostable packaging to fundraising to support Canadians living with Multiple Sclerosis, they strive to make a positive impact in their community. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Everyday Food Co. | They meet all of your baking and deli needs while focusing on sourcing local ingredients and making everything in house! They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Joey’s Seafood | Joey’s has expanded to become the largest seafood restaurant chain in Canada. Most of their seafood is sustainably sourced, and we have eco-friendly take-out packaging. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Roasti Coffee Co. | They strive to provide specialty roasted coffee in an accessible and approachable way that elevates an everyday experience. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Rosie’s in the Park | Rosie’s in the Park is one of the many family friendly restaurants in Sherwood Park. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Sherwood Park Mall | Sherwood Park Mall is pleased to offer our shoppers a wide range of services to help make your shopping experience stress free. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Sobeys Nottingham | They help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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| Fortis Alberta | At FortisAlberta, they deliver safe and reliable electricity service to more than 60 per cent of Alberta’s total electricity distribution network.
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 | Cena Catering & Meals To Go | Cena Catering is Sherwood Park’s local and preferred corporate catering service provider. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Strathcona Food Bank | The Strathcona Food Bank is a non-profit organization providing food to families in need in Sherwood Park and rural Strathcona County. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Soup and Sandwich Co. | The Soup And Sandwich Company Is a Local Sherwood Park Destination For Fresh And Delicious Home Made Food. They are one of the participating businesses in the food waste diversion program.
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 | Troika Foods | Troika Foods is a family-owned food processing company in Sherwood Park, Alberta, specializing in handmade, traditional Ukrainian-style cabbage rolls, supplying both retail and foodservice industries across Canada since 1990.
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 | TreeTime.ca | TreeTime.ca supports sustainability by offering a wide range of wholesale tree and shrub seedlings, helping individuals and organizations plant healthy ecosystems and reduce carbon footprints through naturalization and reforestation initiatives across Canada.
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The pilot, created by Circular Innovation Council, is hosted by both the Town of Westlock and Strathcona County. Circular Innovation Council is partnering with local organizations AltRoot Composting, Leftovers Foundation, and grateful for the support of EcoSafe Zero Waste and Green for Life (GFL) Environmental to help realize the project. TELUS is also supporting the pilot with development of a platform to capture real-time organic waste data leveraging innovative sensor technology. Circular Innovation Council also receives [funding] support from [Alberta Ecotrust Foundation] the Government of Canada and Dalhousie University for this program.
Surplus edible food will be collected from pilot participants by Leftovers Foundation and their network of dedicated volunteers to deliver to local community-serving agencies supporting those in need of food.
Organic waste from businesses and institutions in Westlock and Strathcona County is collected by GFL and delivered to AltRoot in Westlock, AB for processing into valuable compost. This compost is then applied to local farmers’ fields, providing valuable nutrients to improve soil health and supporting local regenerative farmers practices.
Strathcona County is located on Treaty Six Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region Two and Four. Strathcona County honours the First Peoples of this land. We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of Cree, Métis, and Blackfoot amongst many other Nations, who have been here for thousands of years. Therefore, Strathcona County has an inherent responsibility to foster healthier relationships with First Peoples and further the Calls to Action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations and we humbly extend my respect to Indigenous individuals, communities and Elders, past and present, as the traditional custodians of this land.
Circular Innovation Council is a registered charity.
Charity Registration Number: 119112118 RR 0001
