South West ratepayers 'disgusted' as FOGO efforts go to waste
Bunbury Harvey Regional Council (BHRC) has been turning food and garden organic (FOGO) waste from homes and businesses into sellable compost and mulch for over a decade.
Until recently, it processed FOGO for more than half of the region's 12 local governments.
Amid ongoing contamination concerns, the state government awarded BHRC more than $80,000 for a FOGO decontamination project in October 2024.
City of Bunbury FOGO mascot Freddy celebrates the 10-year anniversary of green bins in 2023.
(
ABC South West: Kate Stephens
)
However, two months later, BHRC told local governments it would start diverting all FOGO to landfill due to high levels of contamination in kerbside collections.
Earlier this month, it stopped accepting FOGO altogether.
Vanessa Bennett, who lives in Capel, said she always made an effort to sort her FOGO properly and was "disgusted" to hear it was now going to landfill.
"We're paying council rates for that extra bin,"
she said.
Bunbury resident Jill Thompson, who has a large garden, said she filled her green bin to the brim every week.
She said the situation was "an absolute disaster".
Jill Thompson (left) and Vanessa Bennett are disappointed to hear their FOGO will go to landfill.
(
ABC South West: Pip Waller
)
The City of Bunbury, which is one of the local governments BHRC processes FOGO for, recently introduced an average waste charge of $50 per property to "help cover kerbside collection of domestic refuse, recyclables and organic waste".
It came on top of an average 4.1 per cent increase to existing waste management charges.
The ABC has contacted the City of Bunbury and BHRC for comment.
Contamination and capacity issues plague tip
Collie Shire president Ian Miffling said BHRC enforced a contamination limit of 1 per cent for organic waste, which he believed was unrealistic.
"That's ruled out just about everybody's FOGO because nobody can comply with that sort of ruling," he told ABC Radio South West.
Collie Shire president Ian Miffling says BHRC's 1 per cent contamination limit for FOGO waste is unachievable for local shires.
(
ABC News: Ruby Littler
)
Dardanup Shire president Tyrrell Gardiner said contamination was certainly a challenge, with residents sometimes "aspirational" about what they threw in.
In 2023, Dardanup Shire
According to Waste Authority WA, common contaminants include glass, metal, treated timber, plastics, and non-biodegradable lawn care products.
But Mr Gardiner said a 1 per cent contamination rate was not impossible to achieve with the right technology.
He said he believed BHRC's decision to pause FOGO processing was about more than contamination, with capacity issues at the facility also at play.
Waste Authority WA's guide to what should go in the green FOGO bin.
(
Supplied: Waste Authority WA
)
The state government said it was investigating alternative solutions for the area and trying to help BHRC improve its FOGO decontamination processes.
WA's Local Government Association (WALGA) said a dedicated regional strategy was urgently needed, with the state's waste management strategy largely focused on Perth and Peel.
In 2023, the federal and WA governments announced a co-investment of $11.25 million for three organic waste processing infrastructure projects, all based in Perth.
Residents stick with three-bin system
Despite red and green bin rubbish being destined for the same tip, South West shires have asked residents to continue separating their organic waste.
In a statement, the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup said that, despite seeming unnecessary, "maintaining positive waste habits" was crucial.
Green bins in the City of Bunbury and nearby shires are being tipped into general landfill.
(
ABC South West: Bridget McArthur
)
Several local governments said they were working together to find alternative FOGO processing solutions as soon as possible.
"Throwing everything into landfill, it's not sustainable … we've got to get [FOGO] to work,"
Mr Gardiner said.
Dardanup resident Billie Pollock said she was grumpy about the pause on FOGO when she felt there was a clear answer to the high contamination rates.
"The red bin should be emptied every week instead of the green one," Ms Pollock said.
"I feel like a lot of people I've seen are just putting their red bin rubbish into the green bin … because there's just not enough space."
Billie Pollock says people are putting general waste into green bins when their red bins are full.
(
ABC South West: Pip Waller
)
Ms Thompson said more education would also help reduce contamination, saying many people were still confused about what could and could not go in the green bin.
But she said if the green bins were just going to be tipped into landfill, residents should instead be provided with their own compost bins and mulchers.
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ABC News
30-06-2025
- ABC News
Do you know what's a no-go in FOGO in NSW? Many don't and that's a problem
By July 2030, every home in New South Wales should have its own food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bin. Many already do, but there is still widespread confusion about exactly what should go in the green bin. Pizza boxes, tea bags, cardboard, timber and bamboo utensils were initially allowed when FOGO started in 2013, but the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has since revised its advice. Now only food or garden waste should go under the green lid. "We want to keep things out like plastics and anything that might allow for microplastics to break down into the FOGO," EPA executive director of programs and innovation Alexandra Geddes said. Other problem items include pet faeces and poo bags, paper towels, vacuum cleaner dust and lint from tumble dryers. FOGO contamination is a serious issue, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimating 45 per cent of all organic waste still ends up in landfill. There are 128 local councils in NSW and, according to the EPA, 57 already have a FOGO service. Another 13 have FOGO plans in place, 32 have green bins to collect garden waste only and 26 offer no organic collection. At this stage, it is up individual councils to implement and enforce rules about what can go in the green bin, although the EPA does provide "guidance". "That's because what we really want is [pure] organic matter that comes out of the process," Ms Geddes said. It is also up to the individual councils to determine how they collect and process FOGO material, with many opting to send it to composting facilities and then buy it back for their fertiliser regimes. Dan Nicholson, director of Topsoil Organics, is acutely aware of confusion around FOGO. The FOGO generated by 186,000 residents in Sydney's Inner West LGA are trucked to his composting facility at Forbes, in the NSW Central West, a round trip of more than 700 kilometres. "We try to really harvest every bit of organics possible that comes on site … it's a circular economy," he said. "We're still obviously getting the wrong things going into the bin, from drink bottles and milk cartons [to] the whole packet of bread still with the plastic around it." Mr Nicholson said he employed 10 people to pick through FOGO and remove contamination. Anything that comes in a green "compostable" bag is separated in the picking station and eventually processed using black soldier flies to harvest residual organics. "We still need a lot more education and people need to understand that FOGO is a material that's being used in the agricultural sector," he said. "We've got to get that material spotless so it fits the order and exemption to be able to go back into land." Clint Neville, a third-generation mixed farmer from Forbes who is using organic fertiliser produced by FOGO composting, said increasing organic carbon levels in the soil boosted its water-holding capacity while adding macro-nutrients. "Every 30 years, your soil organic levels halve," Mr Neville said. "We had one paddock where it was 0.5 per cent organic carbon [with 2 to 3 per cent being where we want to be] and we got about 600 tonnes of compost, and within 12 months we saw it bounce up to 1.7 per cent." Mr Neville said his aim had been to build more resilience within his farming system and do more with less.
The Advertiser
28-06-2025
- The Advertiser
New service could save about a third of red bin waste from landfill
About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. 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Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost.
The Advertiser
23-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Weekly green bin collections to begin in Maitland, Singleton and Cessnock
Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost.
