Food waste is one of the most persistent and costly challenges hotel kitchens face. Whether it's trays of uneaten buffet items or overproduction during quieter periods, every wasted ingredient is money lost. For many hotels, it amounts to thousands in avoidable costs each year — directly impacting profitability.
But right now, there’s a unique opportunity to do something about it. The NSW Government’s Bin Trim Equipment Rebates Program is offering 50% rebates on food waste reduction technology, helping hotels invest in smart kitchen tools while cutting capital costs in half.
This funding won’t last forever — and hotels that act quickly could see immediate financial gains.
Reducing food waste isn’t just a sustainability initiative. It’s a cost control strategy — and for high-volume kitchens, one with serious returns.
Winnow’s AI-powered technology, used in over 3,000 kitchens globally, helps hotel teams cut food waste by up to 50%. That typically equates to saving 2–8% of your food costs, depending on the site. These are real savings that fall straight to the bottom line — and in many cases, payback is achieved in under 12 months.
At an Accor Hotel in Darwin, Australia, the kitchen operations were transformed by simply starting to measure food waste with Winnow.
“The moment a chef starts measuring waste, they gain insight into patterns. Tracking food waste isn’t just about numbers — it’s about identifying hidden inefficiencies, reducing costs, and making smarter purchasing decisions.”
— Head Chef, Accor Hotel, Darwin, Australia
The results speak for themselves. By adopting Winnow, the team:
With the Bin Trim rebate covering 50% of eligible costs, the business case becomes even stronger. For example, a $12,000 investment in food waste monitoring tools could cost your hotel just $6,000 after the rebate — halving your upfront spend and accelerating your return on investment.
The Bin Trim Equipment Rebates Program, run by the NSW EPA, supports businesses investing in equipment that reduces waste going to landfill. For hotels, that includes technology like Winnow’s Vision AI and smart waste scales.
To qualify, you must:
The rebate can be claimed on capital purchases or leases, and is capped at $50,000 per business group — though most hotels will claim in the $5,000 to $20,000 range.
The key is to act now. This is a finite pool of funding — once the government’s $6 million budget is allocated, the opportunity closes. Applications take 4–6 weeks to process, so if you're planning operational improvements in the next quarter, this is the moment to explore your options.
Winnow helps hotel kitchens operate more efficiently and sustainably by turning food waste into data. Our AI tools track exactly what’s wasted, when, and why — giving chefs and F&B teams the insights they need to make better production decisions. Hotels using Winnow have reduced waste by up to 50%, saved thousands annually, and improved their sustainability credentials in the eyes of guests and owners alike.
The best part? Winnow systems are eligible under the Bin Trim program. And our team is experienced in helping hotels complete waste assessments and navigate the rebate process, making the admin easy and the impact immediate.
If you manage or own a hotel in NSW, now’s the time to act. Start by confirming your eligibility and getting a tailored savings estimate. Winnow’s team can guide you through a quick waste assessment, estimate your likely rebate, and build a business case you can take to your leadership team.