FOGO final stage estimates more than 12,500 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill each year
The City of Rockingham estimates more than 12,500 tonnes of organic waste will be diverted from landfill each year with the start roll-out of its FOGO bin change.
The Food Organics and Garden Organics initiative, set to begin June 30, is the final stage of the city's three bin system brought in more than eight years ago to reduce the amount of waste being dumped in landfill.
Food scraps such as bread, cereal, meat and seafood – including meat bones and shells - coffee grounds, and fruit and veggies can be added to the green-lidded bin, which will be collected weekly.
Ahead of the change, the council has sent households a small kitchen caddy bin and compostable liners, along with FOGO guide.
City of Rockingham mayor Deb Hamblin described the service, which has already rolled out in more than 20 other local governments across WA, including Kwinana earlier this year, as a transformational change.
A waste audit in 2024 found in several Rockingham suburbs, almost half of what was being put into red waste bins and headed for the dump was organic waste, such as food scraps and garden clippings.
One of the other major transformations of the incoming system is that red waste bins will be emptied fortnightly instead of weekly.
Yellow-lidded recycling bins will continue to be collected fortnightly.
Some households' bin day may change as well.
FOGO bin contents are recycled into compost materials, such as mulch and soil conditioner, and reused in parks and gardens.
'The success of FOGO relies on everyone's participation and together we can make a meaningful difference in how we manage our waste,' Ms Hamblin said.
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The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- 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. 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.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- 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.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- West Australian
FOGO final stage estimates more than 12,500 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill each year
The City of Rockingham estimates more than 12,500 tonnes of organic waste will be diverted from landfill each year with the start roll-out of its FOGO bin change. The Food Organics and Garden Organics initiative, set to begin June 30, is the final stage of the city's three bin system brought in more than eight years ago to reduce the amount of waste being dumped in landfill. Food scraps such as bread, cereal, meat and seafood – including meat bones and shells - coffee grounds, and fruit and veggies can be added to the green-lidded bin, which will be collected weekly. Ahead of the change, the council has sent households a small kitchen caddy bin and compostable liners, along with FOGO guide. City of Rockingham mayor Deb Hamblin described the service, which has already rolled out in more than 20 other local governments across WA, including Kwinana earlier this year, as a transformational change. A waste audit in 2024 found in several Rockingham suburbs, almost half of what was being put into red waste bins and headed for the dump was organic waste, such as food scraps and garden clippings. One of the other major transformations of the incoming system is that red waste bins will be emptied fortnightly instead of weekly. Yellow-lidded recycling bins will continue to be collected fortnightly. Some households' bin day may change as well. FOGO bin contents are recycled into compost materials, such as mulch and soil conditioner, and reused in parks and gardens. 'The success of FOGO relies on everyone's participation and together we can make a meaningful difference in how we manage our waste,' Ms Hamblin said.
