About
Confidential destruction
of packaged food and beverage waste
Products containing both organic content and materials like cardboard, plastic and liquid paperboard are often considered too difficult to recycle and end up in the general waste bin. Our state-of-the-art depackaging technology overcomes this challenge by separating food and liquids from the packaging so the various components can be separated and recovered where possible.
Our depackaging services are ideal for businesses like food and beverage manufacturers, hospitality venues and grocery retailers that need secure and discreet disposal of expired, damaged, mislabelled or recalled stock. We ensure your reputation is protected at all times through strict chain-of-custody protocols and verified destruction to prevent products re-entering the market.
Packaged retail food products
Typically bulk packaged food products that cannot otherwise be donated or reused from supermarkets.
Industrial packaged food products
Covers bulk, multi-pack, or palletised food products from manufacturers and food processors that contain organic materials and complex packaging requiring secure depackaging and disposal.
Expertise
Industries we serve
Food and beverage production
Cleanaway helps food and beverage manufacturers manage large volumes of off-spec or damaged packaged goods without compromising confidentiality or brand integrity.
Retail and wholesale distribution
We help wholesalers, supermarkets and other retailers divert damaged, expired or recalled products from landfill to reduce general waste costs and improve sustainability outcomes.
Importers and logistics providers
When bulk shipments of packaged food and liquids are damaged, delayed or rejected, Cleanaway can dispose of this unsaleable stock efficiently and sustainably.
Hospitality and catering
We support restaurants, cafes, hotels and caterers to dispose of excess stock or out-of-date packaged goods in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way.
Process
What we do with your packaged waste
Comprehensive
Cleanaway’s state-of-the-art depackaging technology


Our investment in industry-leading depackaging technology allows us to take large volumes of food or liquid packaged in aluminium, plastic, liquid paperboard or cardboard and separate the organic material from its packaging.
Using a combination of mechanical and centrifugal forces, the depackaging unit separates the organic and packaging waste streams by forcing them through a mesh screen. Through this method, our depackaging units can recover up to 99% of packaged food or liquid materials.
Once separated, the organic material and recyclable packaging can be recovered for reuse. Any non-recyclable components are disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations.
Output
What your packaged food and beverage waste can become
The recovered food and liquids from depackaging are sent to an organics facility to be repurposed into nutrient-rich compost which can be used on broadacre farms and crops, creating a closed loop system.
Waste from the packaging is recycled wherever possible, recovering resources that can then be used to make new packaging, or other products. This increases landfill diversion rates, supports a circular economy and conserves natural resources by reducing reliance on virgin materials.
Residual materials are safely disposed of at our licensed facilities.
Our promise
Why choose Cleanaway
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A one-stop solution
We offer an expansive range of services, custom waste solutions and expert support to meet the waste management and resource recovery needs of Australian businesses, councils and industries of any size.
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Optimised waste management solutions
Our team of resource recovery professionals work closely with you to find the best waste management solution for your business, helping you achieve potential cost savings while working towards your sustainability goals.
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Streamlined services
We offer a total waste management solution, providing you with seamless customer service, one invoice and consistent, reliable services.
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Nationwide service you can count on
With a vast national network of specialised facilities and one of the largest waste collection fleets on Australian roads, we deliver efficient and reliable service across most of Australia.

