A Griffith waste management entrepreneur is putting his money where his mouth is – literally hiding cash prizes in rubbish to tackle the eyesore that Scenic Hill has become.

Stephen Violi, owner of award-winning Riverina Skips, will host a community cleanup on Sunday 28 October, complete with a $2,000 treasure hunt to reward volunteers willing to tackle the litter problem plaguing one of the city's premier tourist attractions.

"It's absolutely embarrassing when you take visitors up there," Mr Violi said. "Fast food wrappers, bottles, general junk – it's everywhere, particularly around the parking areas."

The innovative cleanup will see Mr Violi hide tokens worth $1,000 and ten $100 prizes throughout the rubbish south of Scenic Hill. Participants who find the tokens can cash them in on the spot, with additional Riverina Skips merchandise up for grabs.

The event runs from 9am to 1pm, with volunteers asked to bring gloves, bags, water and sunscreen. Mr Violi will provide a kerbside wheelie bin truck for immediate rubbish disposal.

The cleanup initiative reflects the community-minded approach that's helped Mr Violi transform a modest waste collection business into a regional success story.

Launching Riverina Skips in 2019 with just 10 skips and a single truck, the 40-year-old has overseen remarkable growth, expanding the operation ten-fold to include nine trucks and hundreds of bins of various sizes.

"We offer everything from general waste front lift bins to massive hook lift containers," he explained.

The business recently added another string to its bow – a wheelie bin hire and collection service targeting customers whose waste falls between council bin capacity and skip bin requirements.

"We can hire out extra wheelie bins, collect rubbish from your house, or even empty your council bin if you need an extra pickup during the week," Mr Violi said.

Riverina Skips' commitment to service excellence earned recognition at August's Griffith Business Chamber awards, taking home gongs for Excellence in Small Business and Outstanding Customer Service in Ag Services.

The company has progressed to become Griffith's sole finalist in the broader Riverina Murray regional small business category.

"I'm pleased we've been recognised for customer service – it's something we work hard on, though it's challenging to keep everyone happy," Mr Violi said.

"I'm not sure about our chances at the regional level though. We're up against an ammunition disposal company near Albury – how do skip bins compete with that?"

Part of Riverina Skips' appeal stems from its unconventional approach to waste industry marketing, featuring an edgy social media presence with humorous skits and memes.

"We've got Alex and Lloyd Hume, a fantastic husband and wife team," Mr Violi said. "He's quite dry, she comes up with creative skit ideas, and I just let them run with it."

The entrepreneur credits his team's expertise for the business's rapid expansion, particularly praising early employee Don Hussan for his industry knowledge and support.

The Scenic Hill cleanup covers the area south of Scenic Drive, stretching from Pioneer Park corner to beyond Hermit's Cave.

For Mr Violi, the initiative represents more than just business promotion – it's about civic pride and setting standards for the community spaces that define Griffith's appeal to residents and visitors alike.

"When you're proud of where you live, you want to show it off properly," he said.