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.
“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 levies alone. At today’s prices, that tonnage would cost councils $47.3m.
Key guest speaker and War on Waste champion Craig Ruecassel 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.
Hungry for food waste solution
A PUSH to establish a food recycling scheme for Metropolitan Sydney, has gained momentum with government and waste and recycling industry representatives coming together to tackle the growing problem of the food Sydney-siders throw away, at the Inner West War on Food Waste.