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There are many resources available for businesses who are looking at becoming more sustainable. Whether it is energy efficiency, saving water, recycling or planting a wildlife garden, there are a range of options for any size business.
Solar Savers Program
Are you looking to upgrade your hot water, heating or cooling unit, install solar panels or simply need assistance to prioritise how you can find energy efficiencies within your business and save on costs?
Solar Savers is a local government initiative helping businesses to electrify by facilitating access to quality and affordable products, which can help reduce their energy bills and environmental impact.
For more information or to receive an obligation-free quote, visit the Solar Savers website.
Business Compost Rebates
Has your business considered composting? Compost incentives via Compost Revolution are available to businesses. Use the code COMMUNITY50 for an extra discount at the checkout.
For more information visit Council’s composting and food waste page for more information.
Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)
Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) rewards Victorians with a 10 cent refund for every eligible drink can, carton, glass or plastic bottle returned at a refund point across Victoria. Find out how your business can get involved via their website.
Single use Plastics Ban
As of February 2023, the Victorian state government’s Single-Use Plastics Ban is in effect. This means that these problematic single-use plastics are now banned from sale or supply in Victoria:
- drinking straws
- cutlery
- plates
- drink stirrers
- polystyrene containers, plates, clam shells and cups
- cotton bud sticks.
Lightweight plastic bags were banned from sale or supply in 2019.
The use of reusable containers is legal and is a safe, affordable and sustainable solution you can adopt to manage the single-use plastic ban. For further information and support, visit Sustainability Victoria’s website.
Business Waste Collection
Our residential bin services may be used by smaller businesses in Whitehorse. This service is the same as what we provide for households, in terms of bin sizes and collection frequency. Please note that the waste service charge applies to businesses. To find out if Council’s service is suitable for your business, and what items are accepted in each bin, visit our Bin Services page.
For businesses that produce more waste, contact private waste collection companies to receive quotes for suitable waste streams and collection frequencies.
Regardless of whether your business uses Council or private waste bin service, you must comply with our local law. This means that bins must be well maintained, placed in the appropriate location, and contain all waste. Public litter bins must not be used for commercial or industrial waste. Refer to Whitehorse’s Community Local Law for further information.
Food Waste Recycling Services
Council’s residential bin service includes an opt-in Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service. The service is a great way to keep food scraps out of landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and turn them into high-quality compost for or Victorian farms, vineyards, gardens, and orchards. Find out more about Council’s FOGO service.
Other Disposal Options
Certain items, including batteries, electronic waste, paint and chemicals do not belong in any bins. Some items can be taken to Council’s Recycling and Waste Centre or recycled via a specialist recycler. Check out Planet Ark’s Business Recycling Directory or visit the Recycle Mate website to find suitable waste and recycling services near your business.
Business Renewables Buying Group
We're joining forces with councils across Victoria to assist businesses to purchase renewable energy and cut their emissions.
The Business Renewables Buying Group is designed to bring together like-minded businesses seeking to switch to 100% renewable electricity. With the support of Council and an external facilitator, a group of medium and large sized businesses will work collectively to scale up their buying power whilst cutting complexity, time, and cost associated with going 100% renewable.
The aim of this program is to create a repeatable and scalable group purchasing method to support more businesses to join a renewable future. Council is recruiting business participants consuming over 500MWh per annum of electricity and looking to scale up their buying power whilst cutting complexity, time, and cost associated with going 100% renewable.
This program is part of many Council projects aimed at supporting our community, both individuals and businesses alike, to reduce their carbon footprint by transitioning to100% renewable energy. Learn more about the Business Renewables Buying Group.
Looking to Cut Energy Costs?
Business Victoria have developed a dedicated page for businesses with advice and information about cutting down energy costs. This includes savings through reduction of energy use and much more. Explore the page Cut Energy Costs today.
Gardens for Wildlife
Gardens for Wildlife is a free program designed to support locals to create habitat for native wildlife in their gardens. By planting indigenous or selected Australian native plants, your garden can support birds, native pollinators, butterflies and much more.
Businesses with an outdoor area, whether it's a small garden bed in a carpark or courtyard with large planter pots, can register to have a visit from our Garden Guides and receive a voucher for 20 free plants to get started. Our garden guides provide practical advice on how to make the area more wildlife friendly, creating a better habitat for both people and wildlife.
Research has also shown that greener, more attractive spaces draw more customers and improve business performance.
BYO Containers
BYO Containers is a program that makes it easy for customers to find locations that will accept reusables. Their website also provides information, flyers and opportunities for you to promote your business’ commitment to sustainability.
Responsible Cafes
Responsible Cafés is a platform that showcases businesses doing the right thing for the community and planet - from offering a discount for bringing a reusable cup, using organic produce or reducing the use of disposable plastics within your cafe.
Visit the website to register your business and access free resources.
Reuse Systems
There are a number of established reusable systems in place that your business can access to avoid waste and champion reusables, including:
Learn from other businesses that have implemented similar systems by reading a case study.
Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre Grants
The Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre have a number of grants available for eligible businesses throughout the year.
Grants streams include identification, implementation and innovation. Visit the Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre’s webpage for more information.
