Sydney councils agree to unite against food waste

Monday, 2 September 2019

Inner West Council has launched a push to establish a food recycling scheme for Metropolitan Sydney.

Metropolitan councils, state government and waste and recycling industry representatives came together last week to tackle the growing problem of the food Sydney-siders throw away, at the Inner West War on Food Waste.

The forum saw Mayors, General Managers, CEOs, State Government specialists and industry representatives discuss a whole-of-Sydney solution.

Mayor Darcy Byrne said that it was vital that councils worked together to create a comprehensive plan to tackle food waste.

“If it’s not handled properly, food waste is a huge problem for the environment and a big burden for our ratepayers,” he said.

“This just isn’t something we can address council by council. If we want a real solution, Sydney councils must collaborate to turn food wastage into food recovery and reuse.

“Residents are calling on their local governments to act. Sydney councils want to do it, and industry is ready to be involved. All the ingredients for food recycling to succeed are on the table.

“Our next step will be inviting the Environment Minister Matt Keane to a meeting to work with councils to identify locations for transfer stations and a food organics recycling plant.”

Councils provide daily waste management services to millions of residents across Sydney. In 2014/15 it is estimated that the Sydney Metro Area sent 331,150 tons of food organics to landfill, costing over $40M in waste levy alone. At today’s costs, that tonnage would cost councils $47.3M.

Key guest speaker and War on Waste champion Craig Reucassel spoke of the need for councils to form a plan for the future of food waste management.

“Councils always talk about getting the waste levy back, but they need a solid plan for what they will do with the money,” he said.

For enquiries contact Kate Walsh on 0421 224 366.