FOGO is an extra bin dedicated to food and garden waste, including things like:

• Fruit and veggie scraps
• Meat, bones, dairy & seafood
• Bread, pasta, rice & leftovers
• Coffee grounds & tea bags
• Lawn clippings, leaves, & garden trimmings
• Paper towels, tissues & unwaxed cardboard.

Why is FOGO so important?

Around 40% of what we currently throw in our regular kerbside bins is food and garden waste. With FOGO, we can help keep this waste out of landfill and put it to good use instead, turning it into rich compost that supports a healthier environment for all. 

Here’s how it would work if there is enough community interest:

• You’ll receive a green-lid FOGO bin (standard size is 240L, but there’s an 80L option too) that’ll be emptied every second week. The red-lid waste bin collection will change from weekly to fortnightly to alternate with the FOGO collection service.
• A handy kitchen caddy will be included to make collecting food scraps easy.
• No additional cost. This service comes at no extra charge!

What would change?

If introduced, there would be a change to the general waste collection frequency. Your general waste collection will change from a weekly to a fortnightly service. FOGO will also be collected fortnightly on the alternating weeks. 

This means there would still be a weekly kerbside collection with one week general waste and one week FOGO.

When would the FOGO service commence?

The service would start from July 2026, provided there is enough community interest. Further details, including collection dates and educational materials would be provided to property owners ahead of the FOGO service commencing.

Still have more questions? Scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions shown below the Expression of Interest From.

FOGO FAQs

1. Would general waste move to a fortnightly collection?
Yes, general waste would move to a fortnightly collection if FOGO is introduced.

2. How would the change in general waste collection affect me?
The introduction of a FOGO bin would mean you could separate food and garden waste more easily, creating additional space in your general waste bin to better accommodate the new collection schedule.

3. Would there be any additional cost for the FOGO service?
No. The FOGO service would be provided at no extra cost to residents.

4. If I found that I was struggling with my general waste bin capacity, could I upgrade to a larger or additional bin?
You could upgrade to a larger bin (140L or 240L) or add an extra bin for an additional cost. However, we would recommend trying the new bin system first. 

Residents from neighbouring areas that have embraced FOGO found that separating food and garden waste into their FOGO bin freed up significant space in their general waste bin, making the new schedule work smoothly. 

5. Would my FOGO bin smell?
FOGO bins should not smell if used correctly. Draining liquids, using paper liners and keeping the lid closed prevents odours.

6. Could I line my kitchen caddy, and what could I use?
Yes, you could line your kitchen caddy with newspaper, paper towel or a paper bag. No plastic liners, including compostable or biodegradable bags, are accepted for either the caddy or FOGO bin.

7. Could cardboard and paper go into my FOGO bin?
Yes, food-soiled cardboard, paper towels, tissues, newspaper and shredded paper can go in. Shredded paper is too small for recycling, but works perfectly in FOGO! However, waxed cardboard must stay out.

8. Where would my FOGO go?
All collected material would be processed at a composting facility where it is:

• Sorted and checked for contamination
• Shredded and aerated
• Composted under controlled conditions
• Tested and matured into high-quality compost.

The food organics & garden organics expansion expression of interest is now closed.  

Thank you to everyone who participated in the FOGO expansion Expression of Interest. Your time and commitment are genuinely appreciated and will help guide the next stage of the program.