Three-bin FOGO System Begins in Cambridge

Published on 01 July 2024

A new era of waste management has arrived in the Town of Cambridge.

Starting 1 July 2024, the Town has implemented the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) three-bin system for standard single-unit dwellings. This move supports the State Government Waste Strategy under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007, which requires all Perth and Peel local government authorities to adopt FOGO by 2025.

Research shows about 55 per cent of the waste in our General Waste (red lid) bins is organic and can be repurposed more effectively. The FOGO system introduction will allow residents to place all their organic waste into the FOGO bin. This change will reduce General Waste bin contents, reduce waste being sent to landfill, and promote sustainability within our community.

Mayor Gary Mack described the FOGO service rollout as a progressive step forward for the Town.

“By aligning with the State Government’s Waste Strategy and targets, we’re taking steps to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our residents. This rollout will help us reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and convert it into compost that can be used to enrich soils,” he said.

From 1 July, all standard single-unit households in Cambridge have transitioned to the FOGO service, with their current Garden Organics (green lid) bin now repurposed as a FOGO bin. Each household received a kitchen caddy and a roll of compostable liners in early July, along with a FOGO guide detailing what items belong in each bin.

“Providing residents with kitchen caddies and compostable liners will make it easy to separate food waste from general waste. It's a simple change that will make a big difference for our community and environment,” Mayor Mack added.

Australian households discard approximately 2.5 million tonnes of food each year, equating to more than four kilograms per household per week. Organic material makes up about half of the waste in West Australian General Waste bins and is currently landfilled.

With the introduction of the FOGO system, the collection schedule for General Waste (red lid) bins has changed. They will now be collected every other week, alternating with the Recycling (yellow lid) bins. FOGO bins will be collected weekly.

“FOGO is a community effort. Together, we can reduce waste, protect our environment, and promote sustainability for future generations. Let's embrace this change and make a positive impact,” Mayor Mack concluded.

Cambridge leads in Garden Organics (GO) recycling with a 56 per cent overall recovery rate in 2021-22, surpassing the 41 per cent average for GO local governments. This includes 44 per cent for kerbside, 94 per cent for drop-off, and 87 per cent for verge-side services. The Town’s recovery rate has improved from 44 per cent in 2015-16, according to the Waste Authority WA.

Visit the Town’s dedicated FOGO webpage for the most up-to-date information and detailed FAQs. Any additional queries can be directed to  [email protected] or the Town’s FOGO hotline 08 9285 3128.

Photo: Carey Wright (Coordinator Waste Services), Julian Ledger (Waste Education Officer), and Gary Mack (Town of Cambridge Mayor) with the three bins at a Floreat residence.