Did you know that almost 40% of the waste that’s currently thrown out in red-lid bins is food? When food is sent to landfill, greenhouse gases are released into the environment. Starting in March 2021 Council will introduce a new way for residents to recycle food scraps with their garden waste, which will allow us to divert food waste from landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use the waste to create compost that can be used in farms, parks and sportsfields.

It’s called FOGO, which stands for food organics and garden organics.

As part of this new waste collection service, households will receive a new lime green-lid FOGO bin, into which they can throw their garden and food waste. It’s important to note that unlike home compost systems, all food waste can be disposed of in a FOGO bin – citrus foods, bones, dairy, cooked food, paper towels, takeaway food and more.

When we introduce the new FOGO system, it will require one small change on behalf of all our residents. They will need to place food scraps into a kitchen caddy, which we will supply, and dispose of these scraps into the green-lid bin instead of the red-lid bin. After a community consultation held last year, we’re confident this is a direction our residents are happy to go, with majority of residents supporting FOGO as a service.

As a Council, we agree – this is an important service that will allow residents and individuals to have a positive impact on the environment.

Randwick City Council is only the second council in Sydney to introduce FOGO bins. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with the community and become leaders in food waste recycling.

Your new FOGO service - Frequently asked questions

What will I receive?

• A new recycling (yellow) bin, waste (red) bin and FOGO (lime green) bin.
• A small kitchen caddy will be provided to hold your food waste.
• A pack of compostable caddy liners.

When do I put the bin out?
Your green-lid FOGO bin will be collected weekly. You will be provided with a new collection schedule before the new service begins.

What can I put in my FOGO bin?

• Garden waste
• Tissues and paper towel
• Soiled pizza boxes
• Food waste - leftovers, bread, vegetable scraps, bones, milk, cheese, etc.
• Plus more!

Won’t the bin smell or attract pests?
Council will collect the FOGO bin weekly to help eliminate any possible smell. Putting your food waste into compostable bags or newspaper first will also help reduce odours.

What if I already compost?
The new FOGO service will be provided to all households. Some items that are unsuitable for home composts, like meat, fish, bones and shells and kitty litter can be included in your FOGO bin. You can still continue to compost at home.

Where do I put nappies?
Nappies will still go in your red bin preferably in a sealed bag.

Be part of the Friends of FOGO

As part of our communication and education plan, we will have a group of passionate residents and council officers called the Friends of FOGO, who will help spread the message about FOGO. Would you like to be involved? Email fogo@randwick.nsw.gov.au and you will be added to our list of FOGO ambassadors.