Preschools and food courts, among other small to medium-sized businesses in New South Wales (NSW), are set to make a significant environmental impact by diverting approximately 35,000 tonnes of waste from landfills annually, thanks to the NSW Government's allocation of $6 million in Bin Trim Networks grants.

The Bin Trim programme represents Australia's most extensive initiative focused on minimising waste generation, promoting reuse, and reducing waste, all while achieving cost savings and reducing carbon emissions. It actively fosters innovation and collaboration across various industries, supply chains, and precincts to address problematic waste materials.

The current grant round has approved 14 deserving projects, which will extend assistance to around 4,000 businesses across NSW. Some of the notable grant recipients include:

MRA Consulting Group has received $4,98,299 to create circular food court networks and target specific waste streams within shopping centres across Sydney, particularly single-use food containers.

• Revolve Recycling, awarded $5,00,000, plans to develop a 'Green Wheels' accreditation system for Personal Transport Vehicle businesses aiming to minimise waste linked to bikes, e-bikes, and scooters.
• Cool Planet granted $4,96,950, will undertake an educational mission involving over 15,000 preschool children, covering topics such as recycling processes and engaging in activities for staff and families. Their efforts are expected to divert over 1,000 tonnes of waste from early childhood education services, including waste streams like food, soft plastics, and nappies.
• Additionally, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has introduced the Bin Trim app, a valuable free resource accessible to all businesses in NSW. This app enables businesses to conduct waste assessments, formulate action plans for waste avoidance and reduction, and track their progress over time.

The EPA's Bin Trim Programme has already empowered over 38,000 businesses to contribute positively to the environment and save costs by diverting more than 2,60,000 tonnes of waste away from landfills. This programme is a crucial component of the NSW Government's Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, which has received a sizeable $356 million investment over five years.

Businesses keen on participating in the Bin Trim programme can find detailed information on the EPA website or reach out to the EPA directly at 131 555.

In the words of NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, "The NSW Government is empowering small and medium-sized businesses to innovate and reduce the amount of organic, plastic, and other waste that ends up in landfills. From food courts to bicycle shops and preschools, businesses are embracing the circular principles of avoid, reduce, reuse, and recycle to benefit the environment and address the challenges posed by rising costs."

According to NSW Minister for Small Business Stephen Kamper, "Small businesses have the potential to drive our transition to a circular economy. Their adaptability, innovation, and commitment to sustainable practices position them as leaders in reshaping how we produce, consume, and repurpose resources. By integrating circular practices into their operations, small businesses not only minimise waste and environmental impact but also unlock fresh opportunities for growth, job creation, and community resilience."

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Source: EPA NSW