Residents may notice something new driving around, with Camden Council becoming the first council in New South Wales to feature The Great Unwaste campaign on two of its waste collection trucks.
The eye-catching truck wraps are taking practical food waste reduction tips directly into neighbourhoods, helping encourage residents to reduce the amount of edible food ending up in household bins.
Food waste is a significant issue in Camden. Recent bin audits show that up to 46 per cent of material in red-lidded garbage bins is food waste, with around 78 per cent of that considered avoidable food waste that could have been eaten if it had been planned, stored or used differently.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said Council was proud to be the first council in the state to bring The Great Unwaste campaign to the streets.
"It's fantastic to be able to showcase this message and help bring the important information directly to our residents," she said.
"Our waste trucks are one of the most visible services Council delivers, so they're a natural platform for community education. We saw a real opportunity to take positive food waste messages off the page and put them directly into neighbourhoods, where people see them in everyday life.
"If you see our Great Unwaste truck out and about, take a moment to check out the tips. Whether it's planning your meals, storing food correctly or making the most of leftovers, reducing food waste is good for your household budget and good for the environment."
The truck promotes the simple actions at the heart of The Great Unwaste campaign, including:
- Plan your meals before you shop;
- Check your fridge, freezer and pantry before heading to the supermarket;
- Shop with a list and stick to it;
- Buy only what you need, especially fresh produce;
- Store food correctly to help it stay fresher for longer;
- Freeze food you won't use in time to extend its life;
- Love your leftovers by using them for lunches or creating new meals; and
- Compost unavoidable food scraps instead of sending them to landfill.
The initiative forms part of Council's ongoing commitment to waste reduction and sustainability, helping residents adopt practical habits that reduce landfill and save money at the same time.
For more information on Camden's new waste truck and what it promotes, visit thegreatunwaste.com.au/blog/camden-council-takes-the-great-unwaste-to-the-streets
To learn more about reducing food waste and find practical tips, recipes and storage advice, visit thegreatunwaste.com.au/
