Food and Garden Organics

Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) is a kerbside collection service that will start in 2024 and will allow for food scraps to be added to the green bin.

At that time, there will be a change to the kerbside collection service. 

We're currently working through options about the frequency of bin collection, with a decision being made on the direction following community engagement. 

The NSW Government has been rolling out FOGO services across NSW since 2013, with 34 regional councils currently running the program. In addition, councils are bound to NSW Government targets to divert 75% of waste from landfill. Maitland is currently achieving 37% diversion, across the green and yellow bins, which will increase to 50% upon successful implementation of FOGO in 2024.

With three years still to go before the introduction of FOGO in Maitland, there will be plenty of time to engage with, and educate, the community about this service, just as we’ve done previously with the yellow recycling bin. This will include working through solutions to problem waste such as nappies and medical waste based on the experience of other local government areas who have already introduced FOGO.

When will there be changes to what we can put in bins and pickups?

Council is scheduled to begin the FOGO program in March 2024. There will be no changes to current bin pickups or what residents can place in their bins until the launch of the program.

Prior to the launch, there will be three years of education and consultation to understand the community's needs.

What will go in my green bin?

All food waste, including raw and cooked food, bread, meat, bones, poultry and seafood (excluding oyster, scallop and crab shells) can be placed in the organics bin.

Where will I put dirty nappies or medical waste?

These will continue to be placed in the red lid bin.

What about the smell?

Over the coming three years, Council will engage with, and educate, the community about this service to understand their concerns and find solutions, based on the experience of other local government areas that have already introduced FOGO.

Why can’t we have a weekly service for red and green bins?

If this were to occur, it would come at an additional cost to the community as opposed to the saving that will be realised through the planned approach. Continued weekly collection also works against achieving the 75% target for diverting waste from landfill.

Will there be a change in the size of my bins?

All bins will remain 240 litre. Recycling bins can already be upgraded to 360 litres at an additional cost.

What if I still want my red bin collected each week?

Other councils have introduced this option for an additional fixed annual fee. A similar option would be considered for Maitland residents.

What if I still want my red bin collected each week but can’t afford to pay for it?

Council assists with fees and charges under its Hardship Policy for those who meet the relevant criteria.

Why are we doing this?

NSW Government has a target to divert 75% of waste from landfill, a target to which Council is bound. In addition, in 2016 Council signed a contract which committed to FOGO in 2024.

Also, the landfill at the Mount Vincent Waste Management Facility is reaching capacity and there is no other site in Maitland that is suitable for a new landfill.

Will rates reduce as a result of the program?

Based on 26 other regional council’s results, the implementation of FOGO and fortnightly red bin pickup could save Maitland City Council and its ratepayers up to $1.8m per year from 2024. These savings will be passed on to the ratepayers.

Are other councils doing this?

Currently there are 43 councils in New South Wales who have introduced or committed to introducing FOGO.

What is the expected increase in cost for the additional green waste collection from 2024?

Based on the projected 2024 population, the green bin collection cost would increase from $944,000 to $1,556,000. The cost to process the green bins would also increase to reflect the additional food organics being placed into the green bins. The projected increase in cost is $526,000 based on the diversion of food organics from the red bin to the green bin. However, the overall cost to Council to operate the red, green and yellow bin service for residents could be reduced by a projected $1,800,000 based on the diversion of food organics being placed into the green bin.