Mario Mendez

Environmental Consultant specializing in waste management and minimisation, following his relocation from Mexico to Melbourne.

Mario now works in the circular economy team for Ratio, working within an interdisciplinary team to prepare waste management plans, lead waste audits, and assist organisations to minimise their waste footprint.

Mario, a seasoned waste planner at Ratio Consultants, has been pivotal in advancing zero-waste initiatives within various sectors. In 2023, his team, in collaboration with Sustainable Solutions Now, conducted a transformative audit within their own office that revealed key waste issues like paper towels and coffee cups, and kickstarted Ratio’s own journey towards zero-waste. This hands-on approach led to other successful zero-waste collaborations with Nightingale Housing and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where Mario and the team learned how to turn ordinary bin rooms into engaging recycling centers and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Mario’s work highlights the challenges and rewards of managing waste in high-density environments like office buildings and high-rise apartments. His presentation at the Zero Waste Festival will share insights from Ratio Consultants’ journey, offering practical strategies for reducing waste and fostering community involvement. Join Mario to explore innovative solutions and actionable steps for creating a zero-waste culture in your organization or community.