From Waste to Worth: Joining Moonee Valley’s Food Waste Revolution

Published on

February 25, 2026

Food waste does not disappear when we throw it in the bin. It goes to landfill, where it breaks down without oxygen and produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change.

That is why we are proud to be partnering with Moonee Valley City Council to deliver the Eco 5 Food Waste Dehydration in Apartments Trial, helping residents living in apartments take control of their food waste at home.

This twelve week pilot is more than a product trial. It is about behaviour change, circular economy thinking, and empowering households who do not have access to kerbside food organics collection.

Why Apartment Food Waste Matters

Apartment living presents unique challenges for food waste diversion. Many residents do not have FOGO services, backyard composters, or space for traditional systems. As cities densify, we must rethink how we manage organics in high density environments.

The Eco 5 trial in Moonee Valley explores whether small, user owned food waste dehydrators can be a viable solution for large apartment buildings facing barriers to communal food recycling.

This is about creating practical, decentralised solutions that reduce landfill and reconnect people with the value of what they discard.

How the Eco 5 Trial Works

Through a co funded initiative, eligible residents can purchase an Eco 5 unit at a significantly reduced cost and participate in a structured twelve week trial.

Residents:

• Use the Eco 5 to process household food waste
• Track their cycles during the trial period
• Complete entry and exit surveys
• Learn how to responsibly use the fertiliser produced

The Eco 5 gently dehydrates food waste, reducing its volume and creating a dry, stable soil amendment that can be used in home gardens or contributed to community gardens.

Importantly, this is not compost. It is a controlled dehydration process that transforms food waste into a usable resource while preventing it from entering landfill.

Supporting a Circular Economy in Moonee Valley

This trial also strengthens community connection. Surplus fertiliser can be dropped off at designated community gardens, helping return nutrients back to soil locally.

This is what circular economy looks like in action.

Food waste becomes soil nourishment.
Residents become active participants in sustainability.
Apartment buildings become part of the climate solution.

By participating, residents are helping Council assess future waste solutions for high density housing and shaping what food waste management could look like across Moonee Valley.

Join the Food Waste Revolution

If you live in an apartment in Moonee Valley and do not currently have access to food organics recycling, this is your opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

You can learn more about the trial and submit your Expression of Interest directly via Moonee Valley City Council here:
https://mvcc.vic.gov.au/join-the-food-waste-revolution/

Places are limited.

By joining the Eco 5 trial, you are not just managing your kitchen scraps. You are contributing to emissions reduction, supporting local gardens, and helping shape the future of food waste management in apartment living.

Together, we can turn waste into worth.

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