It's FOGO time!

What is FOGO?

FOGO turns your food and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost. With FOGO, you’ll be able to put your food scraps and garden waste in the same bin. 

Up to half of the contents in our general waste bins are organic material. Under the FOGO system, we can turn this organic material into compost, instead of sending it to landfill. 

Why is the Town implementing FOGO? 

In May 2025, Council approved the rollout of the FOGO 3-bin system for residential properties in the Town, starting from August 2025 (click here to read the minutes of the Council decision).

Implementing FOGO is a key initiative to protect our environment, reduce waste, and minimise the production of greenhouse gases. These are all key outcomes in the Town’s Strategic Community Plan, Climate Emergency Plan and Strategic Waste Management Plan, and the WA State Government requires all local governments in Perth to implement FOGO by 2025.

Reduction in landfill: Transitioning to FOGO removes all food waste from the red-lidded general waste bin and keeps it out of landfill. The WA State Government has set a target for 70% of waste to be diverted from landfill by 2025 and FOGO will help us all to meet this target.  

Diverting organic waste: Organic waste is a problem in landfill as it produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Turning organic waste into compost will reduce the impact on the environment and return valuable nutrients to the soil.

What if I am going to be away during the changeover?

Email admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au or call us on 9311 8111 and we will organise with our waste contractor for your kitchen caddy to be delivered when you return. 

What are the benefits of FOGO? 

Moving to a three-bin FOGO system brings big environmental benefits for our community: 

• Less waste to landfill: FOGO removes organic waste from your red-lidded general waste bin, keeping it out of landfill. This helps us work towards the State Government’s goal of diverting 70% of waste from landfill by 2025. 
• Better use of organic waste: When organic waste ends up in landfill, it breaks down without oxygen and creates methane – a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By composting organic waste instead, we reduce emissions and return valuable nutrients to the soil.

Where is my 2025-2026 waste calendar? 

We usually send residents a new waste calendar at the end of every financial year, but with the FOGO rollout starting in August, we're holding off sending residents their new calendars until they start on the new system.

When FOGO starts at your property, you will receive a new waste calendar along with a handy FOGO guide to help you get started. Until then, your bin days will stay the same.

Not sure when to put your bins out? Click here for bin day information or call our customer service team on 9311 8111.

Will FOGO be rolled out to businesses?

Not at this stage. FOGO will only be introduced to residential properties in the Town in 2025.

Will apartment complexes get FOGO? 

Not at this stage – this year, FOGO will only be rolled out to residential properties up to 10 units per dwelling. If you live in an apartment complex with more than 10 units and you’re interested in getting FOGO, speak to your strata manager and they can get in contact with the Town’s waste management team to see if FOGO can work for your complex.

My bin smells, can general waste be collected more frequently? 

No, the general bin will be collected fortnightly and the FOGO bin weekly.  The new system moves the organics waste from the general waste bin to the FOGO bin, so general waste bins will fill up more slowly

Here are some handy tips to help with smelly bins:  

• Be sure to put your FOGO bin out every week, even if it’s not full 
• To prevent breakage, don’t overfill your compostable caddy bags. Tie them off tightly. Keep caddy lid closed tightly.  
• Wrap and place any odorous food scraps (seafood, meat etc.) in the freezer until collection day.  
• Layering green waste at the bottom of the bin can help absorb liquids and prevent waste sticking to the inside of the bin.  
• If possible, allow lawn clippings and garden cuttings to dry out to prevent moisture build up before putting them in your FOGO bin.  
• Keep your bins in the shade with the bin lids tightly closed.  
• Sprinkle baking soda, vinegar, oil of cloves or lemon juice in the bin after emptying to reduce odours.  
• Clean your bin after emptying with soapy water.

What about nappies?

It’s certainly unpleasant to think about, but research shows that used nappies in kerbside bins don’t smell significantly worse after two weeks compared to one.

If you’re having issues, the best measures to tackle nappy smells in your bins is to empty nappy contents into the toilet before disposing, wrap dirty nappies tightly in a nappy bag, make sure your bin lids fully close, and store your bins in the shade or away from direct sunlight. You can even sprinkle a small amount of baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice in your bins after they’re emptied to reduce odours.

You can find the research mentioned on page 28 of the Waste Authority document here.

Can I buy compost made from the Town’s FOGO waste?  

Yes, the product is available for residents to buy through: 

• Spudshed Stores 
• Stratco Stores 
• IGA’s 
• LnJ Garden Centre 
• West Metro Recycling Centre (60 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park)  
• Kearns Garden & Hardware 
• Mazzegas Landscape Supplies 
• Red Dot Gosnells 
• Red Dot Home Midland 
• Wattleup Nursery. 

The compost is accredited and audited under Australian Standards. Their products are composted whereby organic materials are microbiologically transformed under controlled aerobic conditions at achieve pasteurisation and a specified level of maturity.  

Contacting the specific location beforehand is recommended to confirm product availability. 

How do I use my kitchen caddy?

Your kitchen caddy is designed to be used an indoor receptacle. The 7-litre caddy can be left on your kitchen bench, or has been designed to fit under most kitchen sinks. The caddy will be delivered with two rolls of certified compostable caddy liners and they will have handy guidelines on the lid to help residents remember what items can go in FOGO.

Your caddy is the point of collection for your FOGO waste. When the bag is full, or every couple of days, tie the caddy liner bag handles together and pop the bag into your FOGO bin. You can pop the caddy in the dishwasher or hand wash it. It is recommended to remove the caddy lid before placing in the dishwasher as the dishwasher may damage the information stamped on the lid. 

Make sure you only use compostable bin liners in the caddy, never use plastic bags as these will contaminate the compost. Store your unused compostable liners in a cool dry place to avoid them breaking down.  

If you purchase additional liners, please ensure they are certified compostable. Look for these symbols on the products.

Do I need to use caddy liners?

No, you don't need to use compostable liners to line your kitchen caddy. Some residents find newspaper or going liner-free works just as well. If you do use bags, they must be compostable and display the certified compostable symbol. Never put plastic bags or biodegradable bags into the FOGO bin. 

My liners leak sometimes. What can I do?

Compostable liners are designed to break down naturally, which means they’re not as strong as plastic. Occasional small tears or leaks are normal – it’s part of what makes them compostable and better for the environment. They typically have a shelf life of around 12 months. To get the most out of your liners, store them in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight.

Tips to reduce leaks:

• Change your liner every 2-3 days to avoid breakdown from moisture.
• Empty your caddy directly into the FOGO bin instead of carrying the liner separately – this will help prevent spills on your way to the bin.
• Rinse your caddy between uses to keep it clean and fresh.
• Avoid putting warm food scraps into the liner.
• Try alternatives to see what works best for you. Some residents find newspaper or going liner-free works just as well. 

Where can I purchase additional compostable caddy liners?

Additional liners can be purchased at your local supermarket. Make sure to check for the compostable logo (certified AS 4736 or AS 5810). 

What if I currently compost or have a worm farm at home?

FOGO can complement your compost bin/worm farm, as it can take the things that they can’t – like meat, bones, dairy products and larger prunings.