FOGO for Business trial goes twice weekly: Bega Valley

Wheeler's restaurant owner, Jacqui Smith has signed up to the twice-weekly bin collection trial.

Wheeler’s restaurant owner, Jacqui Smith has signed up to the twice-weekly bin collection trial.

What’s better than FOGO keeping your business food waste from landfill once a week? Getting it picked up twice a week of course!

A trial bin collection program led by Bega Valley Shire Council’s Waste Services team is set to help FOGO friendly businesses manage their organic waste.

Beginning in November, businesses signed up to the FOGO for Business program in Pambula and Merimbula will be offered the opportunity to have their green bins emptied twice a week.

Council’s Waste Project Officer, Rechelle Fisher said current participants had requested an additional weekly service.

“Feedback from businesses is that a weekly service is not enough for some, particularly those with large amounts of food waste over the busy holiday period,” Ms Fisher said.

“By offering this service to a pilot area we can evaluate its effectiveness and hopefully replicate it across the shire.”

Wheeler’s Restaurant in Pambula is eagerly awaiting the service. Owner, Jacqui Smith said an extra bin collection would be a great help.

“FOGO for Business means the community can save tonnes of organic waste going into landfill each year, and the addition of multiple pickups really works for us,” Ms Smith said.

“It’s a simple, cost-effective solution that helps us quickly and easily dispose of our organic waste the right way. Plus, it makes us feel better knowing that it’s going to be made into compost.”

Interested business owners in the Pambula and Merimbula areas can sign up to the trial now, with the first twice-weekly green bin collections starting on 1 November.

“With a busy summer season ahead for cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs, now is a great time to take part in the trial and join the FOGO for Business program,” Ms Fisher said.

“The trial will run for 12 weeks until the end of January 2022. Places are capped, so be sure not to miss out.”

The FOGO for Business project is supported by the?Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.

As well as the regular weekly bin collection days, businesses opting to try the service will also have their green bin collected on Mondays in Merimbula and Tuesdays in Pambula.

The additional FOGO pickup service will cost the same as adding an extra FOGO bin service and will only be charged for the duration of the trial.

The cost of the extra service will range from $1.60 to $3.02 per bin depending on the number and size of bins in use and your billing method.

To find out how to sign up, call Council’s FOGO for Business team on 02 6499?2222 or fill out the FOGO for Business contact form on the FOGO for Business webpage.

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