The Villa Care Centre is a fully accredited long-term care home for 160 residents within the rural community of Midland, Ontario. They offer private and basic (2 person) accommodations in a safe, community setting. Amenities include a family dining room, celebration room, large activity center, cafe, hair salon, resident laundry room, wellness center, resident lounges in each home area, secure balconies and access to trails around Little Lake.

Shared sustainable vision

Power Knot’s partner The Solutions FoodService Group worked with a consultant which introduced them to Jarlette Health Services group, the owner of the Villa Care Centre.  As a company deeply committed to delivering a compassionate and caring atmosphere for its residents, Jarlette Health Services extends this philosophy to environmental stewardship. Recognizing the need for an on-site solution to address the management of food waste, Villa Care Centre saw an opportunity to reduce operational costs while minimizing its environmental footprint. The introduction of Power Knot’s LFC-70 biodigester was a natural fit, as it offered a sustainable solution to handle food waste effectively while promoting financial efficiency.

The decision to install the LFC-70 biodigester stemmed from both environmental and financial considerations. Traditional methods for the disposal of food waste, including organic waste pick-up, presented ongoing costs and logistical challenges, particularly in a rural setting like Midland. By implementing an on-site biodigester, Villa Care Centre could significantly reduce the volume of food waste, leading to cost savings associated with waste collection and disposal. 

In March 2022, Villa Care Centre opened a new building designed to enhance the overall care experience for its residents. As part of this expansion, the LFC-70 biodigester was strategically installed in the kitchen, positioned between the dishwashing area and the main kitchen. This placement allows dietary staff to efficiently manage post-consumer food waste (leftover food from resident meals), minimizing the need for manual handling and improving kitchen workflows. The biodigester operates continuously, converting food waste into grey water, which is safely discharged into the sewage system, drastically reducing the environmental impact.

WSIB Support

The LFC biodigester has delivered measurable benefits in terms of operational efficiency. In 2023 alone, the LFC-70 processed an impressive average of 200 kg (430 lb) of food waste per month. This automation has reduced the need for manual handling of waste, resulting in fewer workplace injuries and accidents related to food waste disposal. Notably, since the installation of the biodigester, Villa Care Centre has experienced zero WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) claims—a testament to the positive impact the biodigester has had on improving worker safety.

The reduction in labor associated with food waste management has also contributed to overall cost savings, as the facility no longer needs to allocate as many resources to the removal of waste removal.

Environmental impact

The environmental benefits of the LFC-70 biodigester extend beyond waste reduction. By diverting food waste from landfills, Villa Care Centre has decreased its greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is released during the decomposition of food waste in landfills, is effectively mitigated through the biodigester’s processes. This aligns with global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities and improve environmental sustainability.

On the financial side, Villa Care Centre has realized substantial cost savings. The reduction in the fees for the collection of organic waste, combined with the operational efficiencies gained from reduced manual labor, has made the biodigester a highly cost-effective investment. The long-term financial benefits, including lower waste management expenses and improved worker safety, have further solidified the value of the biodigester in the facility’s operations.

More than just a home

For Villa Care Centre, the introduction of Power Knot’s LFC-70 biodigester represents more than just a waste management solution; it underscores the facility’s commitment to creating a better environment for both its residents and staff. By reducing the facility’s environmental impact, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing staff safety, Villa Care Centre has been able to refocus its resources on what truly matters: delivering high-quality care and maintaining a warm, welcoming environment for its residents.

The success of the LFC biodigester at Villa Care Centre highlights the potential for other long-term care homes and healthcare facilities to adopt similar solutions, achieving both environmental and financial sustainability while improving the well-being of their staff and residents.