By Laura Michell
Whittlesea residents could soon be given the option of bringing their own container to takeaway food stores.
Whittlesea council is conducting a feasibility study into a voluntary BYO container scheme, similar to one in use by Yarra council.
As part of the study, the council will consult with stakeholders, including local businesses, to discuss the merits and challenges of allowing people to supply their own containers.
As part of the program, the council would promote businesses who pledge to reduce their use of single-use plastics.
The council hopes to be able to roll-out the scheme in November, subject to the study findings.
Cr Emilia Lisa Sterjova, who raised the idea with council, said the program was another way to address the current recycling crisis.
She said that allowing people to bring their own containers to takeaway food stores would help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
“Local businesses would pledge to reduce their use of single-use plastics by asking people to bring their own Tupperware,” Cr Sterjova said.
“Customers will be more inclined to go [to participating stores] because they are environmentally-friendly.
“Thirty-two councils have been sending their recyclable materials to landfill so I’m taking my own initiative to get creative with our waste management.”
