Your rubbish is costing you thousands: businesses warned they are throwing money in the bin
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 15 May 2026
Australian businesses are being put on notice: if you are not actively managing your waste, you are almost certainly losing money every single day.
New insights from Secure Waste Solutions reveal that many organisations are unknowingly overspending on waste disposal, missing recycling opportunities and exposing themselves to rising compliance costs, all while literally throwing away materials that could be repurposed or monetised.
Clayburn Figredo, group CEO of Cleaning Edge Solutions, which includes Secure Waste Solutions, said waste is fast becoming one of the most overlooked financial leaks in Australian businesses.
"Waste is no longer just an operational issue, it is a financial and strategic issue," Figredo said.
"If you don't know what you're throwing away, you don't know how much money you're losing."
The silent cost draining Australian businesses
Figredo said most organisations have no clear visibility over their waste streams, meaning inefficiencies go unchecked.
"Businesses are paying for landfill, paying for transport, paying for labour and in many cases paying to dispose of materials that could have been recycled, repurposed or even sold," he said.
"It is a triple hit and most people don't even realise it's happening."
He warned that rising landfill gate fees and transport costs are only making the problem worse.
"Costs are increasing across the board and if you're not actively managing your waste, you are absorbing those increases without question," Figredo said.
A growing compliance and ESG risk
Beyond financial losses, Figredo said poor waste management is becoming a serious compliance and reputational risk.
"Regulators, clients and consumers are all demanding better environmental performance," he said.
"If you cannot demonstrate how you are managing waste, reducing landfill and improving recycling, you are falling behind."
He said businesses risk losing contracts, failing audits or damaging their brand if they do not act.
"This is not just about doing the right thing, it is about staying competitive," Figredo said.
Turning waste into revenue
Figredo said a major shift is now underway, with forward-thinking businesses treating waste as a resource rather than a liability.
"There is a new focus on extracting value from waste. Materials that were once thrown away can be recycled, repurposed or redirected into new supply chains," he said.
He said this shift is creating real financial opportunities.
"We are helping businesses identify streams where they can reduce costs and in some cases generate returns, simply by changing how waste is handled," Figredo said.
The power of a waste audit
Secure Waste Solutions is urging businesses to undertake professional waste audits to uncover hidden inefficiencies and opportunities.
"A waste audit gives you a clear picture of what you are producing, where it is going and what it is costing you," Figredo said.
"From there, you can make informed decisions that reduce waste, lower costs and improve sustainability outcomes."
The company's audits include on-site inspections, waste stream analysis, recycling identification, cost reduction strategies and tailored solutions for bin systems and collections.
"It is about moving from guesswork to data-driven decisions," Figredo said.
The biggest mistake businesses are making
According to Figredo, the biggest mistake is assuming waste is under control.
"Most businesses think their waste system is fine because it is functioning," he said.
"However, functioning does not mean efficient, and it certainly does not mean cost-effective."
He said even small changes can have a significant impact.
"Reducing unnecessary collections, improving segregation or identifying recyclable materials can deliver immediate savings," Figredo said.
A warning to Australian businesses
Figredo's message is blunt.
"If you are not actively managing your waste, you are wasting money and in today's economic climate, that is something no business can afford," Figredo said.
He said the opportunity is clear for those willing to act.
"Waste is one of the few areas where you can cut costs, improve sustainability and potentially create value at the same time," Figredo said.
"The question is, are you managing it, or is it managing you?"
About Secure Waste Solutions
Secure Waste Solutions, part of the Cleaning Edge Group, delivers innovative waste management and sustainability solutions for high-risk and high-volume industries, including food manufacturing.
Focused on reducing carbon footprints and driving circular economy outcomes, the company integrates advanced technology with practical operational strategies to help businesses reduce costs, improve compliance and create measurable environmental impact.
Cleaning Edge Solutions
Cleaning Edge Solutions is one of Australia's leading commercial cleaning and facility management providers, specialising in large-scale, high-risk and clinical environments. Founded in 2008 by Managing Director Clayburn Figredo and headquartered in Mulgrave, Victoria, the company has built a national reputation for innovation, strict compliance and advanced infection-control standards.
With ISO certifications across quality, safety, environment, food safety and information security, Cleaning Edge Solutions delivers services to major organisations across health, government, education, transport, retail and aged care sectors. Its operations span commercial and industrial cleaning, facilities maintenance, waste management and property development.
Known for its commitment to excellence and social impact, Cleaning Edge Solutions is dedicated to elevating national cleaning standards and creating safer, healthier environments for all Australians.
Visit: www.cleaningedge.com.au