Do You FOGO? Understanding Perth's Food & Garden Organics (FOGO) Bin System
Do you FOGO? Many suburbs of Perth have adopted FOGO, or are beginning the transition towards the three bin system which includes a new food and garden organics (FOGO) bin.
What is FOGO and Why is it Important for Waste Management?
The collection and treatment of Food Organics Garden Organics(FOGO), separated from general waste, is an essential feature of the government's waste management strategy. Governments and local councils aim to maintain the value of FOGO materials circulating in the Australian economy for as long as possible. The food and organic waste that is collected in your FOGO bin is processed into FOGO compost, which is used by councils and in some areas returned to residents for use in their home gardens.
Only food, garden waste, paper products and certified compostable bin liners should go into your FOGO bin.
Crucial FOGO Rule: Keep Your Bin Clean & Contamination-Free
You should not 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗢𝗚𝗢 𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘀. Only 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 belong in this bin. Plastic bags/liners contaminate the FOGO load when they fall into the truck. The lime green lidded FOGO bin is collected weekly and turned into compost, diverting organic waste from landfill.
Top Tips for Keeping Your FOGO Bin Smelling Fresh in Summer
To keep your bin smelling fresh in Summer, remember:
- Empty your kitchen caddy regularly.
- Clean your kitchen caddy – use vinegar and bicarb soda or don't forget it’s dishwasher-safe.
- Freeze meat scraps until collection day.
- Use certified compostable liners provided with your caddy.
- Layer dry materials like leaves or small garden prunings.
- Store your kerbside FOGO bin in a shady, cool spot.
- Wash your kerbside FOGO bin a few times a year with detergent and a broom.
For more advice and information about composting join our Perth Composting Workshops.
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