23-05-2025
Major change on the way for Aussie household bins - what you need to know
Perth residents will now need to 'be accountable for their wastage' with limits tightened to how much rubbish council will collect, as part of a wider push to 'go green'.
General waste bins across Perth will soon be smaller and collected less frequently as part of a major shift in Western Australia 's waste management strategy.
As part of the rollout, households will receive a new 240-litre green-lidded bin for food scraps, garden clippings, and select paper products. This bin will be collected weekly.
Meanwhile, red lidded bins will be downsized to 140 litres and will be collected fortnightly.
Yellow-lidded recycling bins will remain unchanged in size and collection frequency, continuing on a fortnightly schedule.
Under the State Government's push to improve resource recovery, residents will transition to the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system by 2026.
The WA Government has urged all local councils to implement the three-bin FOGO system by June 2026, a key target in its Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
According to Recycle Right WA, the FOGO system is designed to boost recycling rates, cut landfill waste, and lower processing costs.
By separating food and garden waste from general rubbish, the organic material can be transformed into compost, mulch, and soil conditioners.
The City of Rockingham will be on of the first and is set to introduce the system by June 30 this year.
In preparation, residents are receiving 'FOGO-ready kits' which include a kitchen caddy, compostable caddy liners, and a user guide.
While some residents have voiced concerns about the changes, including the reduced size of general waste bins, local leaders have welcomed the initiative.
Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin said the transition marks a significant step toward more sustainable waste practices.
A council report acknowledged some residents would object to the new red-bin service.
A post shared by City of Rockingham to social media has seen some furious residents leaving comments about with the change.
'Yay more bins that i have no place to put in the kitchen', said one person.
'Red bin still emptied weekly then everyone will be happy.' some one requested.
Others however, were supportive of the change, citing the positives of recycling.
'So excited for this, a real challenge to be accountable for our wastage!' said someone.
