Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain are proving they are on the cutting edge of sustainable practices by working with 4SITE
The trial is part of Sustainability Victoria’s Towards Zero Waste grants.  4SITE
“Waste audits show that over 50% of the waste that comes from the Alpine Resorts is food waste so it is an exciting opportunity to see what sort of reduction to landfill we can achieve,” said Rob McDonald, 4SITE’s Director.
Kim Mueller, NevRwate’s Education Officer, is also enthusiastic about the possibilities of the project: “What most people don’t realise is that when food waste goes to landfill it releases harmful gases that contribute to climate change...by taking food waste out of the garbage stream and turning it into compost material we have two direct benefits: we reduce landfill which therefore helps the environment and also in turn so called waste into a valuable product.”
This year’s trial is mainly targeting commercial industries on the mountains. The waste is collected from these businesses, sorted and then sent to a processing facility in Wodonga. Within 50 days the food waste has gone from food scraps to beautiful, rich organic compost.
The food waste which is collected can contain anything that has once been alive. This includes: leftovers, cooked, uncooked, frozen foods, shells, peels, paper plates and napkins. Plastics and metals are a definite no-no.
“What has been amazing to see is how well businesses owners are taking the trial on,” said Mrs Mueller. “Everyone we have spoken to about the project have been so receptive and willing to give it a go which goes to show how aware and protective they are of the unique Alpine environment in which they operate” she said.
Food waste is the largest contributor to
Anyone at Hotham wishing to participate in the Alpine food trial can contact Mt Hotham Resort Management Board's Environmental Officer Bev Lawrence on 5759 3550.
22 June 2010
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