EPA Support for Food Waste Management in Shopping Centres

To assist Shopping Centre managers and tenants to navigate the upcoming changes and rising waste bills, the NSW EPA is funding free advisory services and funding for waste management equipment (up to $50,000) through the Bin Trim Program.

EC Focus is proud to deliver this program in partnership with the Australian Organic Recycling Association (AORA). Our experienced team can:

• Visit your facility

• Interview food retailers and encourage them to recycle 

• Identify barriers to food waste recycling 

• Suggest ways to enhance waste systems 

• Access funding for food waste processing equipment 

• Make return visits to support change and monitor improvements

Why act now?

NSW Shopping Centres face pressure to lift performance in their management of food waste. The NSW Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Bill requires shopping centres with food courts which generate over 6 x 660L bins of general waste per week to provide food waste recycling services by 1 July 2026. 

Businesses which do not comply may face fines of up to $500,000. Additionally, shopping centre owners are dealing with rising waste bills and may face obligations under mandatory Carbon Reporting requirements.   

Recycling food waste can save facilities money and benefit the environment, but only if waste is managed with a well-designed system run by informed staff and tenants. Too often, organic waste streams are contaminated with plastic and other unacceptable items, or services are under utilised, with too much food waste remaining in the general stream.  

The time is right to plan for better food waste recycling. Bin Trim is the first step for your shopping centre. Register here for the free program.

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