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, for two weeks, Council will be delivering kitchen caddies and a roll of 150 compostable liners to each Maitland household. If you have not received your caddy & liners by end of May, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Additional rolls of 150 compostable liners will be available to residents annually in May/June. Additionally, Council are investigating providing access to top up liners as needed throughout the year. Once an option is decided, this will be communicated.
How to use your caddy and liner:
Step 1: Tear off compostable liner from the roll provided, open fully and place it in your caddy.
Step 2: Add food waste to the caddy as needed.
Step 3: When full, or as needed, tie off the liner and place it in your green organics bin.
Step 4: Insert a new liner and repeat the process.
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 ensure quality compost and avoid contamination.
Collection changes
With the introduction of FOGO, all households will receive weekly general waste (red) & organic (green) bin collections. Please place bins 30cm apart. If space is limited, coordinate placement with your neighbors.
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.
Why FOGO?
FOGO supports Maitland’s goal to divert 80% of waste from landfill, as outlined in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy. A recent audit found that food scraps make up 25% of red bin waste by weight. FOGO provides an effective solution to reduce landfill, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and transforms food and garden waste into valuable compost.
As of March 2025, NSW Government has set requirements for all councils to provide a FOGO service by 2030. Maitland will join 34 other councils already offering FOGO, with Cessnock & Singleton also implementing FOGO by 30 June 2025.
Let's talk FOGO
Not sure what goes in the bin or how it works? Our team will be in the community, sharing updates & helping you feel confident about using FOGO. Come along to one of our information sessions below:
- Tuesday 10 June, 4pm - 4.30pm
Maitland Library - Wednesday 11 June, 5pm - 5.30pm
East Maitland Library - Monday 16 June, 3.30pm - 4pm
Thornton Library - Wednesday 18 June, 3.30pm - 4pm
Rutherford Library
To stay informed, follow us on social media, or sign up for our Green Communities newsletter. For more information about the current use of your green bin before 30 June, visit Your Organics Bin.