Wollongong Restaurant Food Waste: Organics, Grease Traps & Compliance

Food waste is the most challenging stream for Wollongong restaurants. It is heavy (a single 240L bin of food waste can weigh 80-120kg), it decomposes rapidly in the Illawarra's coastal humidity, and it attracts pests if not collected frequently enough.

Beyond general bins, restaurants also need to manage grease traps, cooking oil disposal, and increasingly, organic waste separation.

The food waste challenge

A medium restaurant (50-80 seats, dinner service) generates approximately:

• 20-40kg of food preparation waste per day — vegetable trimmings, meat offcuts, expired ingredients
• 10-20kg of plate waste per day — uneaten food returned from tables
• 5-10kg of spoiled stock per week — expired produce, damaged deliveries
• 20-40L of cooking oil per week — fryer oil, pan drippings

That adds up to 200-400kg of food-related waste per week — heavy and odorous.

Bin setup for food waste

General waste (includes food waste):

• 660L collected 2-3x weekly is the minimum for a medium restaurant
• 1100L collected 2x weekly for large restaurants or those with high food prep volume
• From $53/week exc GST for 660L weekly (multiply for additional collections)

Dedicated organics bin (where available):

• 240L organics bin collected 2-3x weekly
• Diverts food waste from general waste, potentially reducing general waste frequency
• Contact us for organics availability in your area

Cardboard recycling:

• 240L or 660L collected weekly
• From $22.09/lift exc GST
• Restaurants receive enormous cardboard volumes from produce boxes, dry goods, and beverage cartons

Grease trap compliance

NSW food businesses with commercial kitchens must maintain grease traps. Key requirements:

• Regular cleaning — every 4-12 weeks depending on trap size and kitchen volume
• Licensed operator — grease trap cleaning must be done by an approved liquid waste transporter
• Record keeping — maintain cleaning records for council inspection
• No grease in general waste bins — solidified cooking fat and grease trap waste cannot go in standard bins

We can connect you with licensed grease trap operators servicing the Wollongong area.

Cooking oil disposal

Used cooking oil should never go into general waste bins or down drains. Options:

• Oil recycling collection — specialist operators collect used oil for recycling into biodiesel
• Collection containers — food-grade drums stored in your loading area for periodic collection
• Most services are free — used cooking oil has commercial value, so many collectors offer free pickup

Managing odour and pests

In Wollongong's humid coastal climate, food waste decomposes rapidly. Prevent problems with:

1. Frequent collection — minimum 2x weekly in summer for bins containing food waste
2. Bin lids closed — always keep bin lids shut to prevent flies, birds, and rodents
3. Clean bins — request a bin wash service periodically (or hose bins yourself between collections)
4. Sealed bags — bag food waste before placing in bins to reduce loose liquids in the bin base
5. Position bins away from dining areas — odour carries, especially in warm weather

Wollongong restaurant precincts

• Crown Street — fine dining, casual restaurants, wine bars
• Keira Street — multicultural dining strip
• North Wollongong — beachside cafes and restaurants
• Thirroul — village dining scene
• Shellharbour waterfront — growing restaurant precinct

Getting started

Call 1300 191 626 and tell us your cuisine type, seating capacity, and service hours. We will recommend bin sizes and collection frequency that prevents overflow and manages food waste appropriately.