In a groundbreaking move to combat food waste and reduce landfill pressure, the NSW government has enacted a revolutionary mandate for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling across the state. This initiative aims to divert tonnes of food waste from being disposed of in landfills, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The legislation, recently passed by Parliament, mandates that households in NSW must have a third bin for FOGO by July 2030, while businesses and institutions have until July 2026 to comply with the new regulations. This bold step is part of a larger effort to address the looming landfill crisis in the state, with NSW Climate Change Minister Penny Sharpe emphasizing the urgency of taking action.
According to Minister Sharpe, “Without action, NSW is on track to run out of landfill space by 2030. Recycling organic material – and diverting it from landfill – is the way of the future.” The transition to statewide FOGO represents a significant shift in household kerbside services, marking the most substantial change in a generation.
A New Era of Recycling: How FOGO Works
Under the new mandate, households will be provided with a green-lid bin for FOGO by 2030, alongside the existing recycling (yellow) and general waste (red) bins. Businesses, including supermarkets and restaurants, will also be required to segregate their food waste into a separate bin. This comprehensive approach aims to streamline the recycling process and minimize contamination in waste streams.
Many Australian councils currently operate under a two-bin system, with a yellow bin for recycling and a red bin for general waste. The introduction of the FOGO bin will add a third component to this system, enabling households to separate their food and garden waste for collection. Green-lidded bins, already familiar to many households, are typically used for garden waste and are collected on a fortnightly basis.
In preparation for the transition, the government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will distribute FOGO starter kits to every household in NSW. These kits will include essential items such as a kitchen caddy for food waste, caddy liners, an information booklet, and details about collection schedules. The EPA will begin distributing these kits one to four months before the deadline, ensuring a smooth transition for residents.
Nationwide Impact: FOGO Initiatives in Other States
While NSW leads the charge in implementing FOGO recycling, other states and territories are also making strides in sustainable waste management. In Victoria, a similar roll-out of FOGO bins is already underway, with plans to provide every household with a FOGO bin by 2030. In Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and the ACT, residents have access to FOGO bins, although participation is not mandatory.
Conversely, the Northern Territory and South Australia currently do not have specific FOGO collection services in place. This highlights the varying approaches to waste management across different regions, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges on a national scale.
As the FOGO mandate takes effect in NSW and beyond, it signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By embracing innovative recycling practices and reducing food waste, communities can work together to create a cleaner, greener tomorrow. The impact of these initiatives extends far beyond individual households and businesses, shaping a more resilient and eco-friendly society for generations to come.