Community engagement and education sustain circular economy
AT the intersection of business innovation and environmental responsibility stands a compelling case study of how one regional, Australian-owned enterprise can drive significant impact and achieve remarkable growth in an industry that directly affects us all.
Under the leadership of Directors Peter and Jenny Foott and CEO Andrew Yeoland, FOOTT has grown into Northern Victoria’s largest family-owned waste management operation over the past three decades.
The Shepparton-born business now employs more than 100 people, operates 53 trucks, a 12-acre processing facility and four CDS Vic depots in Shepparton, Benalla, Cobram and Yarrawonga.
The FOOTT story rests on two core values: community engagement and education.
“FOOTT is proud to be a leading waste, recycling and events solutions business servicing Northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales,” CEO Andrew Yeoland said.
“Our growth has been built on investing in regional Victoria, creating jobs, expanding our service offerings and supporting the circular economy.”
“Community engagement has always been central to how we operate. Through our FOOTT Cares Program, school and service club tours, we continue to look for ways to support the communities in which we operate.”
Since opening in November 2023, FOOTT’s CDS Vic depots have provided the public with a simple way to earn refunds for recycling, while also giving schools and community groups a fundraising opportunity. One such community group is the Tatura Rotary Club.
“For over 12 months now we’ve been working across the community, with a number of businesses, to form a network of supply partners, who we now visit on a weekly basis to collect our supply from,” Former president and longtime member of 50 years, Tom Perry said.
“We’ve now got our own shed with special locked bins at the Tatura abattoirs, where we collect up to two full bins of CDS recyclables per week – even up to three in the summer months.”
Since returning eligible containers, the club has raised over $20,000, supporting Tatura Hospital, Myola Lodge, the Tatura Civic Halls, scholarships for university students and clean water projects in East Timor.
The FOOTT story shows how regional businesses can strengthen the circular economy by innovating in processing, creating jobs, supporting communities and inspiring future environmental leaders.
