Business owners in New South Wales are being urged by Bega Valley Shire Council, to save money and cut waste by joining the Canberra Region Joint Organisation’s (CRJO) Bin Trim Program.
Bin Trim is the largest business recycling program of its type in Australia, designed to establish or enhance business circular economy networks where member businesses have commonalities relating to location, supply chain, industry sector or specific waste materials.
Projects feature an emphasis on waste avoidance and stimulating the circular economy, supporting solutions that are financially viable, mutually beneficial and increase efficiency.
Between 2014 and 2022, the program diverted more than 260,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and engaged with more than 38,000 businesses.
Rebecca Bruce, Waste Education Officer, Bega Valley Shire Council said between 2024 and 2025, the CRJO will provide free waste assessments to 200 businesses across the Canberra region, including in the Bega Valley.
“The focus will be on slashing waste in crucial areas like food, plastics and textiles,” she said.
“The CRJO is calling on all local businesses, especially those in healthcare, charitable sectors and regional clubs, to sign up.”
Bruce said Bin Trim supports businesses with achievable waste minimisation solutions and encouraging change through collaboration and innovation.
“The program is designed specifically to help businesses reduce impacts on their bottom line and the environment by offering a free assessment and advice on how to improve waste management,” she said.
“In New South Wales, business owners are losing money every time they send potential resources to landfill.”
Bruce said businesses that take part in the Bin Trim Program could get a rebate of up to $50,000 or 50 per cent of the cost of new waste reduction equipment.
“For example, food businesses throw away an average of 30 per cent of their food, racking up huge costs and harming the environment when the food enters the waste stream,” she said,
“This initiative is a key part of CRJO’s mission to keep 35,000 tonnes of waste out of landfill every year.”
The Bin Trim Program is supported by a grant from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
For more details, https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/business-recycling/bin-trim-grants
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