8 August 2024
By Hannah Wilcox
North Sydney Council has committed to helping local businesses save money and drive down food waste.
A $198,000 grant is set to go to 300 selected businesses to aim to reduce food waste to landfill by 40 percent over the next two years.
It is a part of the Better Business Partnership (BBP) – a sustainability program funded by North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai and Willoughby City councils – which successfully secured a Business Food Waste Partnership grant from the NSW Environment Protection Authority late last month.
“This grant is fantastic because it allows Council to work with businesses to reduce food waste going to landfill,” Mayor Zoe Baker said.
“This funding will help us to prevent food waste ending up in landfill where it can cause significant methane emissions, which are 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide.”
She added: “It’s part of our strong commitment to environmental sustainability.”
“As a community, Council, residents and businesses all have a role to play in reducing our environmental footprint.”
Baker said many local businesses currently organise their own waste collection, rather than use Council services.
“Food waste is heavier and generally costs them more in contracted waste fees, so there is potential for cost savings for businesses who take part too,” she continued.
Those interested in taking part in the initiative can find more information on the BBP website.