Business FOGO scheme behind huge organics landfill reduction
MEDIA RELEASE 2021 - Latest figures from Bega Valley Shire Council’s Waste Services team show a massive reduction in organic waste going to landfill since late last year.
Owner of Nosh Merimbula, Ally Roberts has signed up to Council’s FOGO for Business project.
6 October 2021
Latest figures from Bega Valley Shire Council’s Waste Services team show a massive reduction in organic waste going to landfill since late last year.
Figures show an extra 883 tonnes of organic waste has been composted since November, thanks largely to the recent expansion of Council’s FOGO project to local businesses.
Council’s FOGO for Business Project Officer, Rechelle Fisher said the significant increase shows a high level of support for the expanded service.
“Keeping an extra 883 tonnes of organics away from landfill is a major win, and the local FOGO friendly businesses have played a big part in this,” Ms Fisher said.
“FOGO for Business has so far helped 97 local businesses make major improvements to the way they deal with compostable waste,” Ms Fisher said.
“We’re really happy to see so many FOGO friendly businesses, including local cafes, restaurants, butchers, florists, offices, hairdressers, and preschools to name a few.
“Signed up businesses can tap into one-on-one assistance from our project officers, and they can access a range of resources, including educational signage and stickers, larger FOGO caddies, and compostable bin and caddy liners to transition away from single-use plastic.”
Council’s Waste Strategy Coordinator, Joley Vidau said the success of the project is due to the number of switched-on business owners and the easy process to get signed-up and FOGO friendly.
“As soon as we started this project, we had lots of interest from businesses wanting to keep their food waste away from landfill,” Ms Vidau said.
“We helped answer their questions, gave them what they needed to set up efficient workplace systems, and an easy way to sign up.
“All you need is to fill out the ‘Changing the Size or Number of your Bins Form’ on our free waste app or website, wait for delivery of your bins and caddies, and your business will be good to go.
“Our super helpful project officers will get in touch once they receive the completed form. They’re a goldmine of information and solutions and ready to help you with any questions.
“We’re often asked how leaseholders should seek permission from their landlord. An easy solution is for lessees to sign up as a Commercial FOGO Account Holder and receive invoices directly.
“A lot of people also ask us if we have a bin size to suit their business. Rest assured we can accommodate businesses big and small, with a range of bin and caddy sizes to suit individual needs.
“We would love to see more businesses signing up for this service to keep increasing our diversion rates from landfill and turning it into our great compost we offer the community.
“If you need help to get signed up and get FOGOing, our Waste Project Officers are here to help you get it sorted.”
The FOGO for Business project is supported through the Environmental Trust as part of the EPA's Waste Less Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
If you are a business owner in the Bega Valley and would like to GO FOGO, please visit Council’s FOGO for Business webpage or contact Bega Valley Shire Council on 6499 2222.
Visit Council’s website to download the free Waste App to Apple and Android devices.
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