Get to know FOGO

From July this year, Alpine Shire Council is introducing a new green kerbside bin and kitchen caddy for food organics and garden organics (FOGO) at properties located within urban kerbside collection areas across the shire.

Alpine Shire Mayor John Forsyth said a 2021 audit of waste bins in the Alpine Shire showed that 50% of the bin was made up of food and garden organics that could be recycled.

“Soon, these organic materials won’t need to be wasted in general waste bins and instead, they’ll be recycled through our kerbside waste collection,” Cr Forsyth said.

“We are committed to reducing our environmental impact as a community and removing our organic material from landfill will reduce both our greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on landfill.”

The service will also meet new State Government requirements for all householders in Victoria to be provided with an opportunity to recycle food and garden organics.

Cr Forsyth said the introduction of FOGO means households will be sorting their waste and recycling into three streams; the new green lidded food and garden organics bin, the yellow lidded mixed recycling bin, and a red lidded general waste bin.

“It will take some time to get used to the changes, and we want to help our community learn and adapt to the new three-bin system as seamlessly as possible,” Cr Forsyth said.

“To help us, we’re asking our community members to fill out a quick online survey so we can learn more about their expectations around FOGO and the information they need going forward.” 

Two surveys - one for residents and ratepayers (including holiday home owners), and one for business owners - will be open until 5pm on Friday, 3 March, 2023 and can be accessed via the links below.

Paper copies can also be filled out at our local libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford.

Members of the community wanting to be kept up-to-date on the upcoming changes or when the new services arrive in their area can contact Customer Service on 03 5755 0555 or [email protected].