Greenaway Bins owner Anthony Janssen said his business could potentially expand its current operations to collect food waste meaning it would not be in competition with the council’s service.

“The difference between the two services is that they take food waste and we don’t take food waste,” he said.

“Now if they put it out for tender then everyone would have to quote on getting rid of the food waste so everyone’s on a level playing field.”

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Peter Cox said the program was still in its early stages.

“It’s only a trial at the moment so we’ve got to get feedback from everybody to see what the ultimate service might look like,” he said.

“People need to make submissions on that so I’d be encouraging (Mr Janssen) to put all the reasons down why that would be the best way to go.”

Mr Janssen said the company would continue to offer its services for as long as possible for those who wished to opt out of the council program.

“We’ve decided to push on so for customers who don’t want to use the council service you have a choice,” he said.

“If you have a Greenaway bin and a compost bin you don’t need the council service.”

Cr Cox said he was open to the idea of working with Greenaway, as well as the possibility of opting out of the council program.

“If he could put forward how it might work under Greenaway I’d be more than happy to consider it.”

“I’m also encouraging people if they think they ought to be exempt from such a service how might council manage exemptions.”

The council’s trial program begins on Tuesday.