BINGO Trailblazers - Mide Oladejo

Appreciate the congrats! My new role as Operations Manager comes with responsibility for all operational aspects of our recycling facilities in VIC, with primary focus of overseeing an efficient and effective operations across all sites. I will be working closely with the General Manager to constantly develop new initiatives for continuous improvement within the post collections team as well as working with site managers and supervisors to optimise team performance and ensure sites safety and environmental compliance are met. Ready for the challenge!

My journey in the waste industry began in 2014 when I started working casually as a Machine Operator while I was completing my BSC in Business Information Technology. In 2017, I joined BINGO as part of the Victoria acquisition and was promoted to Site Supervisor at Braeside. I later managed the VIC transfer site operations and I provided support to the Victoria Post Collections team, specifically our transfer sites and our West Melbourne recycling centre. My goal was to help these sites achieve their ‘green day’ of operations, which includes targets like zero harm, recycling recovery rates, and reducing customer wait times. Part of my role also included dealing with our off-take partners to enable more waste diversion from landfill. 

Each day brings its own unique set of challenges, and there's never a dull moment. These challenges range from minimising wait times for our trucks at recycling sites to ensure timely customer service, to discovering innovative ways to recycle more waste and tackle last-mile issues. Our ability to adapt and solve these challenges on the fly is what sets us apart as GOgetters. 

I recently had the opportunity to present at the 2023 Waste Expo which was a great way to network with industry colleagues, discussing and learning about all things related to circular economy and recycling, adding and extra layer of excitement to the role. 

There are quite a few things that make me excited about working for BINGO. One of the most exciting aspects is our unwavering commitment to our vision of a waste free Australia. As part of the Victoria Post Collections team, I've had the privilege of witnessing a consistent year-on-year reduction in material going to landfill at BINGO since 2017. This accomplishment alone fills me with immense satisfaction and fuels my excitement for what the future holds.

I also find great excitement whenever I get the opportunity to showcase our facilities, particularly our West Melbourne recycling facility. During these interactions, I have the chance to delve into our world class technologies and recycling processes, which are instrumental in achieving our impressive recycling rates. It's a privilege to showcase our contributions to a sustainable future in action.

The key attribute I believe individuals should bring to work is a strong desire to learn. Whether you're starting a new role, a new workplace, or engaging in a new project, your willingness and ability to acquire new knowledge will ultimately shape your success. This quality becomes particularly vital in a fast-paced and dynamic business environment like ours.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our two kids, exploring the Mornington Peninsula. I am also a big football fan (I refuse to call it soccer). I am usually up early morning or staying up late to watch the English Premier League or Champions League. 

Always find a positive in every situation. Regardless of what situation I find myself in, I always find a way to make it a positive one for myself. 

One advice that I have been giving myself lately - never wait for an opportunity to be brought to you. You can create that opportunity and make things happen. Never say never.