Local food businesses can now access free support to prepare for new NSW Government Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) rules, which will require many cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, schools and hotels to separate food waste from general waste.
Under NSW Government regulations being rolled out across the state, businesses and institutions that prepare or sell food will be required to separate food waste from general waste. The new rules are being introduced in stages, depending on how much general waste each business produces.
While many businesses have already introduced food waste bins, the next challenge is making sure systems are practical, low-contamination and matched to day-to-day operations.
Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor said the changes would help reduce food waste sent to landfill while supporting businesses to make the transition.
"Reducing the amount of food waste going to landfill is an important step towards more sustainable use of resources," Mayor Taylor said.
"We know managing food waste can be challenging, which is why Council is offering free support to help local businesses meet their obligations and get the most out of their food waste systems."
Willoughby City Council and the Better Business Partnership are providing free, practical support to help businesses get their systems working well, meet their obligations and reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill.
The free support includes:
A tailored food waste review
Compliance assessment and action plans
Staff training and ongoing support
Information on grants and rebates
Separating food waste can help businesses lower waste and servicing costs, improve efficiency for staff and cleaners, reduce contamination and support local sustainability goals.
Businesses can use the NSW EPA online calculator to check when the rules apply to them or book a free 15-minute food waste review to get tailored advice for their site.
