About FOGO
From Monday 30 June 2025, we will be launching a Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service for all Maitland residents.
The FOGO initiative allows the disposal of both food scraps and garden waste in your existing green (organics) bin, which will be collected weekly. The red (general waste) service will remain weekly and there are no scheduling changes to the yellow (recycling) bin service for Maitland residents.
General waste
Your general waste will continue to be collected weekly.
Recycling
Your recycling waste will continue to be collected fortnightly.
Garden Organics
Your organics/FOGO waste will be collected weekly.
How it works
From 12 May, Council will begin delivering kitchen caddies and a roll of 150 compostable liners to each Maitland household. Liner top-ups will be delivered annually to residents in May/June.
When FOGO begins on 30 June, simply place your food waste in your lined caddy and when full, dispose in your green organics bin.
Please note: it is not a requirement to use a caddy or liners, however if you do, please use only the Council supplied liners to avoid contamination.
Collection changes
With the introduction of FOGO, all households will receive weekly red (general waste) & green (organics) bin collections. However if you do not require a weekly collection of your red bin service, you can opt for fortnightly collection & receive an $80 reduction on your Domestic Waste Management Charge.
Registrations for fortnightly red bin collection will open in August, with the change taking effect in September for approved households.
Why FOGO?
Under State Government regulation, all NSW Councils must implement FOGO by 2030. Currently 34 NSW councils have the service in place, with Cessnock, Singleton, and Maitland implementing FOGO by 30 June 2025, ensuring a more sustainable approach to waste management.
A recent Council audit found that food scraps make up 25% of red bin waste by weight. FOGO provides an effective solution by diverting organic waste from landfill, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and transforming food and garden scraps into valuable compost.
Let's talk FOGO
Over the coming months, our team will be out in the community, sharing updates and helping with the transition to FOGO. Look for us at local events and businesses, follow us on social media, or sign up for our Green Communities newsletter to stay informed.
More details coming soon—stay tuned!
For more information about the current use of your green bin before June 30, visit Your Organics Bin.