The IGA X-press APCO is one of 250 businesses to receive a free waste assessment and action plan as a part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s Bin Trim program.

Owner Paul Armstrong said simple changes went a long way in reducing waste.

“At first I was hesitant, but when they came out and literally opened up my rubbish bin, looked through it and started to sort out what was in there it gave us an idea of where our rubbish comes from,” he said.

“I spoke to them for the first five minutes and realised it was well and truly worthwhile.

“Since that happened we have probably at least two to three 140-litre bins of waste and scrap food that is now going to a guy who composts it.”

Mr Armstrong was approached by Bin Trim eight weeks ago and has already noticed the difference. He said his business was saving at least 200 kilograms in waste each week.

“You don’t even usually think about it, you just think rubbish is rubbish, so learning to separate our rubbish and learning what we can recycle has made a huge difference,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We are looking to put in a recycling option for customers at the pump, so if they get out of the car with a can or a bottle they can put it into the recycling bin.”

Albury Council received $160,000 towards the program and has engaged MRA Consulting Group to conduct free waste assessments. Team leader of waste and management Andrea Baldwin said 320 businesses had been approached in Albury, Greater Hume and Corowa.

“The response had been fantastic, we have got 80 per cent of businesses on board,” she said.