What Are FOGO Bins? A Guide to Food & Garden Organics Recycling

What is a FOGO Bin?

FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bins are a kerbside collection service that allows food scraps and garden waste to be composted together. This initiative helps divert organic waste from landfill, reducing methane emissions and creating nutrient-rich compost.

Although a nationwide rollout was initially planned for 2023, implementation has been delayed, with full availability now expected by 2025. Currently, only about 30% of Australian households have access to FOGO services.

Why Are FOGO Bins Important?

The Impact of Food Waste in Australia

Australians discard approximately 7.3 million tonnes of food each year—that’s an average of 300kg per person! When combined with garden waste, organic materials make up nearly 50% of household rubbish.

Why Landfilling Organic Waste is Harmful

When organic waste is sent to landfill, it decomposes anaerobically, producing methane—a greenhouse gas up to 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Instead of wasting these valuable resources, FOGO bins allow for proper composting, significantly cutting emissions.

How Much Organic Waste is Recycled in Australia?

Only 49% of Australia’s organic waste is currently recycled, with rates varying widely across states. For example:

• ACT: 75% recycling rate
• Northern Territory: Just 1% recycled

By expanding FOGO collection, more organic waste can be repurposed into compost, benefiting farmers and urban households alike.

What Can You Put in a FOGO Bin?

Many councils already provide a green bin for garden waste, but FOGO bins accept a wider range of organic materials, including:
✅ All food scraps – meat, fish, dairy, fruit, and vegetables
✅ Garden waste – grass clippings, leaves, small branches
✅ Paper & cardboard – shredded paper, napkins, pizza boxes
✅ Animal waste – pet droppings, kitty litter
✅ Compostable packaging – certified compostable bags & containers (check council guidelines)

By increasing the variety of organic waste that can be composted, FOGO bins divert more waste from landfill and help create high-quality compost.

What Happens to FOGO Waste?

Once collected, FOGO waste is sent to commercial composting facilities, where it is processed at high temperatures. This method allows for:

• Faster decomposition
• The safe breakdown of meat and dairy products
• Elimination of contaminants

Unlike home composting, FOGO composting can process bones, compostable packaging, and larger organic materials.

Home Composting vs. FOGO Bins: What’s the Difference?

While home composting is an excellent way to manage food waste, it has limitations. Most household systems can’t process:
❌ Meat, fish, or dairy
❌ Large amounts of woody material
❌ Compostable packaging

FOGO bins provide a more comprehensive solution, ensuring that all organic waste is composted effectively.

How to Reduce Organic Waste Now

Even if FOGO isn’t available in your area yet, here are four ways to take action today:

1. Get Ready for FOGO in Your Area

FOGO bins are being gradually introduced across Australia. Check with your local council to find out when your area will receive the service. You can also support the initiative by becoming a FOGO ambassador to educate your community.

2. Cut Down on Food Waste

On average, Australians waste 12.7% of their weekly grocery shop, which adds up to over $1,000 per household per year! Reduce waste by:

• Meal planning to avoid overbuying
• Storing food properly to extend freshness
• Using leftovers creatively to minimise waste

3. Avoid Contaminating Your FOGO Bin

Placing non-compostable items in the FOGO bin can cause entire loads to be rejected. To ensure proper composting:

• Follow local council guidelines
• Only add approved compostable materials
• When in doubt, use the general waste bin instead

4. Start Composting at Home

While waiting for FOGO, home composting is a great way to reduce waste. Whether you have a backyard or live in an apartment, there are composting solutions to suit your space.

Products like the Zero Waste Composting Bundle provide an easy way to turn kitchen scraps into compost with minimal effort. If home composting isn’t an option, try ShareWaste, a free app that connects people with food scraps to local composters and chicken owners.

A Sustainable Future with FOGO

Although the full rollout of FOGO bins has been delayed until 2025, Australians can still take steps to reduce waste and lower emissions. By composting at home, reducing food waste, and preparing for FOGO, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

🌿 Want to start composting today? Check out our eco-friendly composting solutions and take action now!