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Join the food waste revolution!

Published on Friday, 20 February 2026
food dehydrator

Council co-funds Food Waste Dehydrator in Apartment Trial. Limited spaces - express your interest below.

Moonee Valley City Council is offering a trial to Moonee Valley residents living in apartment buildings that don’t have Council bins or access to a food recycling service through their private waste contractor. Whether you are renting or own your apartment, you are welcome to apply. There are limited places available, so apply now if you are interested! 

Council is offering a 50% co-contribution to purchase a 5L Eco 5 food waste recycler, meaning residents who apply will pay $330 for this machine that normally retails for $899. If you meet the above criteria and would like to apply, please fill out the Expression of Interest form below. By signing up for the trial, you will be expected to log your cycles for your first 12 weeks of using the machine, and fill out a pre- and post- trial survey.

Please note that all applications will be reviewed to ensure they meet the Trial criteria, and successful applicants will be notified via email. Please note that by providing your details, you consent to Council contacting you with regards to this trial, and providing your contact details to our third-party contractor.

Fill out an EOI form to submit your interest

Learn more about FOGO for multi-unit developments

How the trial will work:

 

Disclaimer Statement:

Program purpose

The Eco 5 Pilot Program is a voluntary twelve-week household food waste reduction trial. By taking part, you will help Council understand usage patterns, environmental outcomes and future opportunities to scale the program.

Carbon refill responsibility

Council provides an initial supply of two carbon filter refills to support your introduction to the Eco5. Any carbon filters required beyond the supplied volume are at your discretion to purchase.

Participant obligations

By joining the pilot, you agree to:
• track your Eco 5 cycles for the twelve week period
• complete the required surveys and provide honest feedback
• pperate the Eco 5 according to the instructions provided
• use the Eco 5 only for accepted food waste inputs
• store and manage the fertiliser responsibly.

You understand that the Eco 5 is a dehydrator and that the output is a fertilizer, not compost.

Data and evaluation

You consent to Council collecting non identifiable information including cycle frequency, feedback, surveys and general usage data. This information will be used to measure the program outcomes and inform future Council waste projects.
No identifiable personal information will be shared publicly.

Liability

To the extent permitted by law, Mooney Valley Council is not responsible for damage caused by misuse or incorrect operation of the Eco 5. You are responsible for ensuring safe use of the unit in your home.

Soil amendment management

You acknowledge that the output created by the Eco 5 is fertilizer and must be used or disposed of correctly. It can be used on household plants, gardens or taken to any Council supported community drop off points. It must not be placed in drains or waterways.

Program participation

You understand that the trial aimed to test the household experience of owning and operating a small dehydrator. Your honesty and feedback will help inform future programs and support broader waste diversion outcomes.

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